Old Books, New Readers discussion
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February 2024 BOTM - North and South
I'm going to particpate in this months read but I am moving home in a couple of weeks so I may be a little disatracted, apologies if I don't have as much time as usual.Looking forward to getting started though!
Mod
Looking forward to getting ..."
Good luck on the move and happy to have you on board!
Thanks Daniel. Currently surrounded by boxes and my books are packed up, so thank heaven for Kindle!
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When I was making it, I thought the same time. That's a great idea, La Tonya; I'll adjust it.
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When I was making it, I thought the same time. T..."
Thank You. Enjoy Reading,📚
2 months is an excellent idea, it will certainly help me.
Mod
It would help me too.
On a different note, has anyone read any of Gaskell's work? I've read and enjoyed Cranford during my undergrad and loved the class consciousness and suspense of Mary Barton.
I look forward to reading Gaskell's other works. I love the North and South miniseries and I'm excited to read this!
I've read this one before and loved it, but it's been a long time. Looking forward to a reread!
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Hey Morgan! I didn't know there was an adaptation. I may need to check that out after the read.
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Thank you for joining us, Hannah! I often feel that rereading is more rewarding than the initial read.
In a lit podcast, I heard this guy talking about how he likes to do rereads when he is traveling to a new place, as a way to merge the familiar with the unfamiliar.
I read this book years ago; I actually think it was one of my first classics. I enjoyed it then and I also love the miniseries. My favorite way to describe this book is: it's like Pride and Prejudice, but if Darcy had a job.
The Damsel in the Library wrote: "I read this book years ago; I actually think it was one of my first classics. I enjoyed it then and I also love the miniseries. My favorite way to describe this book is: it's like Pride and Prejudi..."Love that description! That's my impression, too. I wonder if others will find parallels to Pride and Prejudice, too. :)
Oh, interesting! I find Margaret and Thornton to be extremely different from Elizabeth and Darcy. The progression of their romance is similar, but the characters themselves feel completely different from Austen's. I love them all, though!The 2004 adaptation is amazing! I don't think they could find a better Thornton than Richard Armitage.
How is everyone getting on? I have not quite made it to chapter 8 yet, I only started yesterday truth be told but I am almost at chapter 6 though and finding it a surprisinlgy easy read. I was expecting it to be a bit more stuffy but the writing flows well.
I’m also finding it an easy read, more so than the first time I read it. These characters feel fully realized, even if they’re not exactly likable. The description is also vivid without being overly long, unlike Dickens.
I don’t remember many specific details from my first reading, but the wallpaper situation is one of them. And I totally agree with Margaret that having an extravagant wedding is unnecessary.
The wedding comment rang true for me too. That’s a very good comparison, not at all like long winded Dickens! Thankfully.
Mod
I just made it to chapter eight, and I agree: this is a quick-paced 19th century novel that is able to weave through idyllic descriptions of provincial life while preserving a kind of urgency that fuels good drama.
In terms of characters, I love how Gaskell cements our views early on about some of these personalities, most notably, Mrs. Hale and Henry Lennox. Both are very similar kinds of people who revel in the notion of knowing about everything on a surface level.
On that point, one of my favorite sections is when Henry Lennox asks Margaret to describe Helstone, in which she exposes his superficiality by replying, "But indeed I cannot tell you about my own home. I don't quite think it is a thing to be talked about, unless you knew it."
For me, this is the equivalent of someone of means trying to buy a "vibe", or thinking they could purchase authenticity. It's very revealing of his shallow understanding of nature, beauty, and art.
I've been loving this so far!
Gaskell built up the tension creatively by having Margaret time her reveal of her father's plan with the movements of a bee:
"Mrs. Hale spoke - said something - Margaret could not tell what. Her eye caught on a bee entering a deep-belled flower: when that bee flew forth with his spoil she would begin - that should be the sign. Out he came.
'Mamma! Papa is going to leave Helstone!"
Very impressed by that.
What a great lot of insights and a review so far, as it were Daniel. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and it made me think about aspects of the book I hadn’t picked up on. Also I liked the bee comment too!
Mod
I love reading everyone's different observations! I decided to listen to the audiobook this time to experience the novel differently, so I'm moving a little slower than usual. But I agree about the writing being smooth and easy to read! I wonder if Gaskell had extra prose that was cut to fit her word limits for serial publication or if this was her style all along? I haven't read her other books.I noticed that bee moment too, Daniel! It reminded me of how Virginia Woolf draws a moment out by honing in on small things nearby. I know Woolf was a fan of Austen; I wonder if she read much from Gaskell?
Mod
Also, i've read Cranford and Mary Barton, and this prose (North and South) moves quick, similar to Mary Barton and with the same kind of subtle tension.
Cranford is beautiful but more provincial and homely. If the Mary Barton plot line went anywhere near Cranford, half the town would drop of heart attacks : )~
I'm still on track. These last few chapters really highlight the difference in the relationship between Thornton and his mom, and Margaret and her mom. The Thorntons were always made of sterner stuff and through adversity have only become stronger. They support each other and both have iron wills; they're similar and understand each other on a deep level, even if they still disagree.
The Hales, after presented with adversity, never really recovered, and as her parents fade, Margaret has to find her own path and create her own strength. Margaret's mom hasn't paid much attention to her, but is coming around to sharing thoughts with Margaret, and perhaps wishing she'd done so sooner.
This story is as much about the romance and class difference as it is about the often rocky road between parents and their children.
I'm glad the Higginses dialect isn't hard to understand. I had so much trouble with that in Wuthering Heights.
Finished this one and I left my thoughts in my review.As many are not through, I didn't want to possibly spoil anything for you. Although I appreciate the writing and good story telling here, I am afraid I have been reading to many Victorian novels over the last few years and the plots all are becoming the same to me. Change the names and the towns and the story is the same.
I know, I know it's a classic and it's a famous author and the millions who read it before me prove that it is great, but for me it's just another very well written romance novel nothing makes it stand out from all the others.
Im glad others are finding it more engaging. Enjoy!
Mod
The Thorntons were always made of sterner s..."
Yes, this is a layered story that speaks of the rift between the rich and poor but not in a generic way.
Damsel, this is a great comparison and definitely something Gaskell wants us to ponder. Thornton and his mom were not born into high society and have their own reservations about it, allowing them have a nuanced (outsider) view of money and power. On the other hand, Margaret and her mom are a bit enamored by high society but have conflicted view points as well, not to mention the insecurity they feel as deserters of the church. Although these two pairs have opinions about each other, they are very much the same. Both are tiptoeing through their relatively new social labels. A pragmatic mother and son who are prideful of their own financial success but not truly comfortable in their newfound wealth, and the ordained minister's family who are not comfortable in their new life either, teetering between pride and confusion.
Furthermore, they both have misconceptions about the others region and class of people.
This story is told through the eyes of the servants too, revealing the obvious inequalities but also the levels of that social hierarchy. All in all, the characters in this book have a difficult time realizing that people are shades of multiple things, which is a topic of great relevance. How can Mr. Thornton be an intellectual and a mill owner?
Also, Gaskell paints Margaret as somewhat of a humanitarian but also someone who is, at times, out of touch with the true realities of people.
Damsel, Margaret had this passage that was meant to convey empathy; however, I feel that Gaskell worded it in such a way to spotlight Margaret's privilege, or rather, her ability to sometimes recognize it.
This passage is in response to Bessy talking about the noise of the mills
"Sometimes I used to hear a farmer speaking sharp and loud to his servants; but it was so far away that it only reminded me pleasantly that other people were hard at work in some distant place, while I just sat on the heather and did nothing"
Wow, this could have come out the mouth of Scarlet O'hara from Gone with the Wind. It's a bit arrogant but intentional on Gaskell's part to paint a good-natured character who doesn't always realize the benefits of their station.
In any case, I love these character pair ups. Thank you, Damsel. This is a story to be looked at through different lenses.
Also, I felt like the exchange between Margaret and Thornton at the Hale residence sounded much like a debate between the societal philosophy of someone like Ayn Rand but with Margaret giving a criticism. In any case, it gave us some valueable insight about Thornton's past.
That's interesting, Larry; I'm sorry you felt it was monotonous. I actually feel like this one stands out in comparison to other Victorian novels I've read because of the unique viewpoint and experience Gaskell brings as a member of multiple families with clergymen--she brings a lot of nuance to the crossroads of various cultures and experiences meeting in one place. The romance feels like such a small part of the novel to me, in comparison with the other relationships and the greater social commentary.
I think I am behind on the reading schedule as I haven't been able to pick the book up for a week or more, but I have come here now to give my possibly unpopular opinion. As I was reading today it dawned on me that I don't actually like Margaret. Does anyone else feel this way? I find her to be condescending, a little miss goody two shoes who thinks she knows better than everyone else. Just me?
Mod
In terms of the story, I'm glad you brought up our protagonist, Margaret. I, for one, share your sentiments. She is lots of things, but I still find it difficult to pin her down as one, which is telling, at least to me.
As I got more invested into the story, I realized this: Margaret carries an air of naivety that allows her to interact with multiple social classes simultaneously. This attribute makes her somewhat dangerous in the story. She lived for a time with her rich aunt in London, but it didn't change her, as it would for most people. She preferred the rural environment of Helstone and never talked down its provincial charm. She's a bit aloof and not afraid to ask questions, which ruffles the social mores of any community she interacts with, even the poor working class of Milton.
The Thorntons don't know where to place her, which is especially off-putting to Mrs. Thornton. This is apparent in the story when Margaret laughs in her face when Mrs. Thornton misinterprets Margaret comment as a kind of advance towards her son. It wasn't a malevolent laugh but more of a giggle. Regardless, it was an innocuous reaction that made Mrs. Thornton angry but equally intrigued. Her son also shares these feelings but he is too smitten with her to be genuinely offended.
This dynamic also occurs with The Higgins family. Although Margaret is educated, it doesn't stop her from interacting with the poor, working class, and most importantly, asking direct questions to Nicholas Higgins about class relations. I believe in Chapter 18, she asks him "what is a strike, and why do you do it?" which shines a spot light on Margaret's social privilege but also shows her child-like brashness.
Sometimes, I think of her as a cute kid who can ask anyone anything. She is well-spoken and pretty, so no one can dismiss her. In essence, she is an anomaly who can blend in anywhere.
So Cheryl, is she condescending? yes, of course. But you need to be a little of everything to be a true disruptor.
Gaskell is smart for throwing a character like that in the mix. Margaret makes everyone feel the need to explain themselves, which has the power to expose truth.
Yes, 100%. Margaret is difficult for the first half of the book. Unlikeable as she is, I could actually relate to her naivete with lofty ideals--she thinks the way I did in high school--judging people for not following the strict ideals and beliefs in my head because I hadn't been exposed to or considered different ways of thinking in an environment that was valuable to me. You really see Margaret grow throughout the story, and the evolution felt natural to me (props to Gaskell!). I hope you stick with it!
Thanks for your comments on Margaret, it was good to hear your thoughts. I am looking forward to watching her grow as the book goes on. Despite my comments about Margaret I am quite enjoying the book so I have no plans to stop. I do get what you mean though about how we are probably all a bit like Margaret in our youth when we think we know better with our lofty ideals! I am sure I was no different!This is what I love about being in a book club. Throwing thoughts out there and getting other thoughts back, and so on. :o)
This is why I love reading books with others, too! I'm not good with reading on a timeline, but it's so fun to hear a variety of perspectives.
Mod
On a different note, I wanted your opinions on the notion of religious doubt in North and South.
As of now, I haven't read anything that explains Mr. Hale's sudden departure from the church [I'm including this detail because it is an early sequence in the book and not a "spoiler"]
We get this conflicted religious aspect at the Higgin's household as well. Bessy has unshakeable faith but her father, as well as his brethren, are clearly thinking differently.
Another note: I remember reading about Mrs. Thornton "gathering the servants and leading the nightly prayer" which was a detail that stuck out to me because it felt more calculated than benevolent.
What are your thoughts on this? I know many of our group members reside in England, so maybe you can enlighten us with the religious mindset during this Victorian era. We must acknowledge that Gaskell may be alluding to issues that could have gotten her into some trouble at the time.
These "close" reads are essential for getting the most out of the book. Reading with a group makes it all the better.
Oh, good question! I found the religious questions in play really interesting, because they all seem to be separated by doctrine and practice, not that much by actual belief. I think this emphasizes Mr. Hale's choice and how important the doctrinal foundations and small differences make for him as a scholar of religion and philosophy. Also it explains Mrs. Hale's frustration with her husband, that he would leave the Church of England completely, because she puts more emphasis on faith in general, as well as social status. Maybe this is different in England, but conversations about minute doctrinal differences don't happen that much in the U.S. outside of small group meetings within churches or during confirmation and baptism courses (in my experience).
I wasn't sure what's going on with Mr. Hale's faith either. I think it said other men are agreeing with Hale, so I would guess it's some sort of English version of Mormonism, or something, and they're trying to quietly break away and form their own thing. As for Margaret, I don't mind her. She's not annoying (to me) and I like that she's not afraid to ask questions and nicely bulldoze her way into every situation. She's right between shrinking violet and headstrong feminist and because I don't see that a lot in fiction--especially older books--I like her.
What I've really been enjoying is seeing how close the miniseries adapted the source. Lines of dialogue are taken right from the page and the changes they made are fine and sometimes better. I think I might have to watch it again once I finish the book :)
Mod
Hannah, you write about this duality quite well. We have Mrs. Hale who is more attracted to the social status that being the wife of a church official brings but seems detached from the faith side. If anything, Mr. Hale comes across like this progressive priest who is aware of his own hypocrisy. All in all, a character who is both relatable and relevant.
Again, Gaskell reminds us that her characters represent the idea that people could have multiple ideals, even if some of those ideals contradict each other.
Damsel states that these sentiments are being echoed by Hale's brethren, creating a rift that will / can form its own sect. Your thoughts on Margaret also resonate with me. She does "bulldoze her way into every situation" , which can be both an asset and an annoyance, especially to those anyone who are being intruded upon :)
A note about the miniseries: I'm not surprised that North and South , as an adaptation, works because most of her novels contain multiple sub plots that do an excellent job pushing the main plot.
I know it's silly to even mention this, but this story would be so much different if they had cellphones. Fred could've texted Margaret "hey, leaving London now, safe and sound" and boom, job done. It's interesting to think how the invention of quick communication has completely changed the world.
Mod
I apologize for going so long without an update on our progress. There are a lot of things to chat about, so let's get on it.
The strike has heated up, putting all owners of production in a state of frenzy. Mr. Thornton has summoned the Irish to work for him, but they are huddled in an upper factory room, fearing for their lives. The strikers are aware of their presence and are literally out for blood. They have surrounded the factory, as well as the home of its owner. The cold and dismissive Thorntons are visibly affected by all of this but to no fault but their own.
Margaret is thrusted into this chaos, for unrelated reasons. Once there, she questions the integrity of Mr. Thornton, which also gives his mother more reasons to hate her. They stand in front of the Thornton residence—Margaret out front—giving the onlookers the impression that Mr. Thornton is cowering behind a lady. During all this commotion, objects are thrown and Margaret is hit by one of them, in which she sustains some minor injuries. At one point, she falls into Thornton's arm, giving him the false impression of her love for him. The next day, he visits her and professes his love, but she is somewhat offended by his presumptuous view that she responded to the prior days events simply on his behalf.
It's interesting how Gaskell puts stubborn people in uncomfortable situations. For example, Mrs. Thornton, through all of this, is seething and her jealously is on full display. She wants her son's love all for herself but also has to abide by her son's requests. One of those requests is to keep open communication with the Hales. Because of this, she has to do an array of tasks that infuriates her but also reveal some of her authenticity.
For example, when she visits Mrs. Hale on her death bed, she is, at first, terribly uncomfortable with the whole exchange. However, once she enters the melancholy quarters, the act softens her attitude, seeing a mother, like herself and much younger, leaving her kids in the living world. Also, the readers find out that she had given birth to a stillborn baby, showing more empathy.
Her mirror character, Mr. Higgins, is also placed in situations that shines a light on his better qualities. After the death of his daughter, he is forced to abide by his daughter's wishes while being reminded of them by Margaret herself. The once anti-religious man is now searching for a guiding light, in which he finds in Mr. Hale. I thought it was a beautiful sequence, when he [Mr. Higgins] puts a wet comb through his matted hair and shines his shoes, showing his respect to the ex clergyman. Like Mrs. Thornton, he is placed in a situation that shows the reader a new side of himself. Mr. Hale confirms this by accepting this man who he sees is not a common drunkard, but a father, like himself, who has experienced great loss. The scene closes out with everyone locked in a spiritual embrace, showing a commonality that symbolically alludes to the harmony that should occur between owner and worker.
To expand on this dynamic, it is important to mention a very pivotal moment in the text: one of the factory owners gives Mr. Higgins a book about economics, but he [Mr. Higgins] is not educated enough to understand its dense language. Many years beyond this fictional reality, sharecroppers were given contracts that contained language that was purposely misleading. Gaskell uses Mr. Hale as a mouth piece to show her disdain of this kind of practice. In ways, she alludes to the reader that the owner who supplied Mr. Higgins with the book was aware that the person reading it could not understand its principles, thus showing a person of power taking advantage of a weaker individual, using literacy as a weapon, more specifically, economic illiteracy. Mr. Hale acknowledges this sentiment by stating that the owner should have sat down with Mr. Higgins and explained the text, showing how a lack of transparency creates conflict between worker and owner.
Let's break off here and hear some responses.
Hi Daniel, I am almost caught up now with this book, despite not picking it up for a over a week. I like your summary update of where we are so far. I'm enjoying this book more than I thought I would.I hadn't heard of the sharecroppers incident but I like that the author is highlighting this, thanks for sharing that information.
Going back to your comments about Mr Higgins' visit to Mr Hale, I particularly enjoyed that part of the story, I found it very touching and I liked that Mr Hale was able to provide some comfort to the broken hearted father in his hour of need. I loved the line "Margaret the Churchwoman, her father the Dissenter, Higgins the Infidel, knelt down together. It did them no harm."
Mrs Thornton is an awful woman but I quite like the character, not nice at all but a strong woman. When she was with Mrs Hale on her deathbed it was atrocious the way she added in the bit where she would tell Margaret off if she needed to! Just awful.
I still don't really like Maragret, I've add ungrateful to her list of poor qualities, and the way she reacted to Mr Thornton's proposal was just terrible, the poor man! Although I wouldn't describe myself as a romantic in any way, I do really like the this aspect of the story and I hate to admit it but I hope they do get together in the end!
Mod
I had this quote "Margaret the Churchwoman, her father the Dissenter, Higgins the Infidel, knelt down together. It did them no harm" circling around in my head while I was writing this summary, so when I read it in your response, it got me excited. Although we are a little more than halfway through the book, I believe that quote encapsulates the entirety of the novel itself. The owners have their preconceived notions about the workers, and the workers have their own distorted views about the motivations of the owners, thus creating a conflict that is steeped in mutual ignorance.
On a different note, the way you juxtaposed those last two paragraphs made me see the similarities between Mrs. Thornton and Margaret. That may have been a subconscious move on your part, but regardless, it made me look at things differently.
For most of the book, I was comparing Mrs. Thornton to Mrs. Hale, but now I see that those characters only share a maternal bond.
In terms of the former two, both women are loyal and self absorbed, which seems oxymoronic but completely plausible in this novel. In addition, they put out a natural dismissive air that makes them both intimidating, alluring women. Gaskell doesn't comment much about Mrs. Thornton's looks; however, back in her youth, I'm sure she was quite attractive. This may be another layer of jealously towards Margaret that is not fully expressed in the text. In essence, Margaret is the hybrid of conviction and beauty that Mrs. Thornton wishes she had or once had.
In any case, I would love to hear everyone thoughts on this matter.
It was purely unintentional but now I too am looking at the similarities between Mrs Thornton and Margaret. You are quite right I think, it seems almost obvious now you have mentioned it.
Mod
Hey Damsel!
Your comments are not silly at all! It's a keen observation on your end and one that should be explored.
Correspondence, or rather, the lack of efficient communication, creates an odd social dynamic that often makes people seem detached and oblivious.
For example, when Edith Shaw writes to Margaret, her lavish exploits seem arrogant and tacky, especially compared with all the tragedy happening in Milton. However, if her cousin, Edith, was aware of this in real time, i'm sure she would be more tactful in her delivery. That being said, if Margaret inquired about the waterbed for her mother over a phone, she would have saved herself a trip and a head wound.
Personally, I feel more present and connected without a phone attached to my body.
Mod
Things are shaping up on the strike front, showing the full character arc of Mr. Higgins. He is a firm, resolute man but also a individual who is self-aware and empathetic. At first, I pinned him as abrasive and unwavering, especially in the way he barked at Margaret (and any one for that matter). However, the way he files down his harsh attributes to those above his station is oddly admirable. This is most apparent when he is in the presence of The Hales and Thornton himself, as the book unfolds. This duality catches the attention of everyone and pushes the notion that individuals think and act beyond their social labels.
The story also has some poignant sequences that still hit hard, even from a 150-year-old text. When a Milton resident is found drowned in a creek from apparent suicide, we see how men and women are torn between allegiance to their union and familial survival. On top of that, the children having to see their father in that dreadful state is beyond words.
On that note, I'll end this update here and pose a question:
It's only natural to compare North and South to Pride and Prejudice;however, as I'm reading this book, I feel that Elizabeth and Darcy warmed up to each other rather quickly compared to any of the characters in this book, which, to me, comes across less realistic. In a modern context, a person can despise their mother-in-law for years before that relationship blossoms into something different, or two people can have the wrong impressions of one another until something occurs to prove otherwise.
I would love to hear your thoughts:)
I'm just passing the chapter 40 mark and thought it safe to read further comments.I've not read, or at least don't remember Pride & Prejudice so I can't comment there, but the death of Mr Boucher was incredibly sad, and the children being made to look at his mutilated body broke my heart, I can only imagine how nightmare inducing that would have been for them. What a horrible way for them remember their father, Mrs Boucher is not coming out of this very well, but I suppose we can make some kind of an excuse for her given what she is also going through at that moment.
To be honest my favourite part of this whole book is the romance, (or lack thereof at times!) between Margaret and Mr Thornton. I am still hoping they get together, I'm willing it to happen, if it does not I will be VERY disappointed.
Mod
I'm glad you mentioned Mr. Boucher's scene. To me, it was cinematic before cinema. We have the men carrying a decomposed, bloated body above their heads, and then after, having to break the news to his family.
It's interesting but also very predictable that Margaret was the one who volunteered to deliver the news to Mrs. Boucher. I feel that Gaskell did this to show Margaret's biggest character flaw:
Her compulsion to thrust herself into situations that are over her head, which hints at her youth and inexperience.
For example, I believe she had a plan when she agreed to be the one to break the news of Mr. Boucher's suicide. In her mind, it would be a patient, tactful reveal; however, when she saw his kids running around the house and Mrs. Boucher's obvious ignorance about the event, this is what came out: [paraphrased]
Margaret: "Mr. Boucher was a good man"
Mrs. Boucher: "What do you mean "was""
She revealed the news of death by speaking in past tense? Are you serous! even Mr. Higgens, with his unlearned ways, would be more tactful than that.
Again, like her decision to stand in front of the strikers with Mr. Thornton, she doesn't understand the full magnitude of something until she's there, which, to me, is her biggest flaw.
But I love my flawed characters, especially when they fall in love:)
I just have a few chapters left, but to Daniel's point about comparing the romance here with Pride and Prejudice...if I'm remembering correctly, Darcy and Elizabeth don't have that many interactions in the book. Their romance is basically Lizzie discovering that Darcy isn't the jerk she thought him to be. But here we get more insight into what Margaret and Thornton are thinking, both when they're in the same room and when they're separate. I think hearing their thought process, and watching the push-and-pull of Thornton trying not to think about Margaret, is more realistic (and I love it when a romance novel has the guy's POV). Their struggles and regrets are much more enjoyable than modern drama where it's only a random misunderstanding that shouldn't exist (though this book does sorta have that too).
The reason I compare the two is that, from Lizzie/Margaret's perspective, they're both a hate-to-love romance across different social standings, where it's the girl who does the jilting. That's a trope I like :)
I have just finished, this very minute! I quite enjoyed the book, although I didn't love it. I am glad I read it though, and that I had the comments here to give me something to think about and not just my own views.I like your comments Damsel about the mans point of view, I had not thought of that before but you are right, we get that here and I like it, it's not that common is it.
I also enjoy the hate-to-love romance of it, maybe because I hate-to-love romantic books and films!
And I'm done! I really enjoyed it this second time around and I have to admit, I like it more than the Pride and Prejudice book. I'm doing a full review and it should be done before the end of the month.It's really interesting that this was published in the magazine that Dickens' edited and he made her shorten it. (The edition I read has a couple chapters not included in the original publication.) I find this extremely ironic since it was only the previous year that Dickens' finally finished publishing Bleak House, which ran for 19 months, as opposed to N&S's comparatively modest 5 months. No disrespect to Dickens, but perhaps he should've listened to his inner editor.
Damsel, Dickens actually published more chapters of North and South than he had originally offered Gaskell. He kept asking her to wrap up the story, and she basically ignored him and sent him more chapters until he said, Seriously, you only get a couple more. Which I find hilarious. You're right that he didn't hold himself to this limit, but he didn't have to pay himself extra commission and included his own work in most of the issues, so it wouldn't have been so obvious in his mind probably.To your point Daniel, I think the progression of Elizabeth's feelings in Pride and Prejudice is also gradual. She tells Jane at one point that she hadn't realized how much she cared about Darcy's good opinion until she thought she might not have it. Which is actually very similar to what we see in North and South, refusing to acknowledge those feelings until Margaret or Elizabeth think their respectabilities are in question.
Here is an excerpt from the introduction of the Wordsworth edition:
"North and South is a title which seems to announce its subject, but it is not an exclusive guide to a novel which includes scenes of industrial strife, a courtship-and-marriage story and an inner scrutiny of its heroine's development"
I outlined a schedule that will require a commitment of about seven pages a day; however, if your reading pace is faster, all I ask is that you are mindful towards others who are following the outlined progression. If you finish the book early, please reserve your final thoughts on your own reviews.
************* READING SCHEDULE ***************
Chapter 1 up to 8 (Feb 9th)
Chapter 8 up to 15 (Feb 16th)
Chapter 15 up to 21 (Feb 23rd)
Chapter 21 up to 28 (March 1st)
Chapter 28 up to 35 (March 8th)
Chapter 35 up to 40 (March 15th)
Chapter 40 up to 45 (March 22)
Chapter 45 up to 52 (March 31)