I read this lovely little book for Heather’s read-a-long at Age 30+ … A Lifetime in Books.
Cranford is a story that is hard to describe. The little town of Cranford is populated mainly by older women, mostly single or widowed. There are a few men about, but they are largely of a lower class, whereas many of the women consider themselves of gentle birth and do their best to act accordingly, especially Mrs. Jamieson, the town’s matriarch. The book revolves around Mary Smith, a frequent visitor to Cranford who often stays with the Jenkyns sisters, two unmarried older women who enjoy some status as children of the late rector. Most of the chapters, however, center in on Miss Matty, the younger of the sisters, whose gentle heart endears her to the entire town.
This was not at all what I’d expected from it, and not in a bad way at all. My previous experiences with Gaskell consisted of North and South and Mary Barton, which are both very concerned with the rise of industrialism in the north. Cranford is much more a picture of genteel life as it might have been during Gaskell’s lifetime, in a small town where women rule all. Each of the women is made distinct by her own actions as they socialize, like Mrs. Jamieson who is a complete snob, the elder Miss Jenkyns whose sternness overrides any other aspects of her personality, and Miss Matty, a sweet woman who is too easily led by everyone around her.
There is no real plot here. The chapters can almost be seen as a series of little stories regarding the inhabitants of Cranford, tied together by Miss Matty’s presence. There is a general movement towards what happens at the end but it isn’t compelling reading; this is a book to live in, to get to know the characters, to begin to care about what happens to them. It’s short, but it accomplishes these goals with ease and opens a window into life as it was. I was reminded mainly of a more sedate Jane Austen, less concerned with irony and overall plot but still depicting a genuine picture of an upper class society and its ills. She does still use humor to depict the ridiculousness of their situations; my favorite is when one of characters is complimented on her lace and launches into a story of how it had a little trip through her cat’s digestive system! I liked the book and I was completely charmed by it, but this isn’t a book for the impatient among us.
Cranford reminded me of how much I adore nineteenth century literature. There is something so inherently appealing in Gaskell’s style, in the modest but earnest ways of her characters, and in the quiet community life that they all share. I can’t say this is a world I’d ever want to live in, but I definitely loved visiting.
(Cover note: I have an old hardcover edition in a set of classics without ISBNs, so I chose a more recent cover for this post)
I enjoyed what I saw of the BBC adaptation of this novel. I do intend to read this in due course though!
.-= Marg´s last blog ..Made it home safely! =-.
I really, really want to read this. I loved the movie (have you seen it?) — or maybe it was one of those PBS or BBC series.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday (September 30) =-.
“I can’t say this is a world I’d ever want to live in, but I definitely loved visiting.”
Exactly! I wished this book was just a little longer, because I wasn’t quite ready to let them all go yet.
Lezlie
.-= Lezlie´s last blog ..LLP: September 2009 Wrap Up =-.
I really want to read some of Elizabeth Gaskell’s books. I feel remiss in the fact that I haven’t read one or even bought one yet (at least if I owned one of her books it would have a fighting chance!)
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Library Loot: September 29, 2009 =-.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this one and that you participated in the read-a-long. I’ll be linking up to all the reviews later today.
And thanks for the good thoughts for Kiddo – I’m sitting next to him at the hospital now and he’s playing with some Legos in his bed.
.-= Heather J.´s last blog ..Cranford =-.
I had so wanted to see the PBS broadcast of this novel, but unfortunately missed it. Ever since that time, however, I have had this book on my TBR list, but have failed to pick it up. I am hoping that these upcoming winter months will provide a great time to visit Cranford.
.-= molly´s last blog ..Review: The Lace Reader =-.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Meghan! Sadly the cover and title are terribly off-putting to me but I know you and Heather both enjoyed it..maybe one day!
.-= Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last blog ..The Great Christmas Bowl Blog Tour =-.
I do love a story about women ruling, but I also like a plot in my books, so I’m on the fence on this one.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday =-.
I’m getting more and more excited about reading Gaskell. The Classics Circuit in November will be my excuse to finally do so!
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson =-.
I loved the BBC version but found the book too hard to read.
.-= Mog´s last blog ..The Wandering Prince. =-.
I also saw an adaptation of this on PBS and really enjoyed it. Cranford reminded me of my hometown.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..TSS: The Reader Returneth =-.
I saw the movie. It was pretty decent.
I loved Bingley in it… well he’s not really Bingley but he played Bingley in 2005 P&P
.-= Keira´s last blog ..Review Trials of Honorable F. Darcy by Sara Angelini =-.
I totally enjoyed participating in Heather’s read along. Very fun. And though I enjoyed the book a lot, I agree it wasn’t as great and wonderful as North and South and Wives and Daughters.
.-= Suey´s last blog ..Review: Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell =-.
I love this review! Actually i never thought i would want to read a book with little plot and more characters.. but i think someday i will definitely read this one!
.-= Veens´s last blog ..A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini =-.
I had to read Cranford for British lit at Brandeis (with Jon something-or-other). I must say, I’m not a fan at all of British literature, but I actually found Cranford to be amusing. I thought the story of the elderly woman with the elderly suitor (am forgetting their names) was the real story of the book. Maybe I’m just a softie
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Diet Terminology =-.
I read Wives and Daughters by Gaskell a few years ago. I thought it was a pleasant read, but these past few weeks I have been seeing more and more reviews of Gaskell’s other works, and have to say they sound a bit more intriguing than Wives and Daughters was. I like the way you describe this book, and think it sounds like a quiet little book filled with character study, which is something I love. I am adding this to my wish list, and hoping to get to it soon. Awesome review by the way.
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..Guest Post and Giveaway =-.
Agreed, check out the BBC/PBS miniseries if you can, and the other Gaskell adaptations (Wives and Daughters and North and South) – they’re all good. I’ve only read North and South but I did find it hard to get into; I much preferred the miniseries.
I loved the BBC adaptation of these stories and can’t wait for this fall’s Christmas production. I’ve read the first story in Cranford and adored it. I do plan to finish it–more now than ever. Thanks for rekindling the desire to read it!! Currently I am reading Wives and Daughters on my IPod.
Horribly drab.
The comedy was paltry and the characters were annoying and flat.
A waste of time unless you would rather read about doing nothing than actually do nothing.