What one reviewer at amazon said about North and South:
If we are discussing the novel's ability to entertain, the first 200 or so pages leave something to be desired. I found that portion of the book to be dry, lacking and highly dull. Had it not been a compulsory school text, I would have had no hestations in putting it down and picking a Henry Miller novel. Needless to say, if you are reading 'North and South' purely for the purpose of enjoyment, you will need patience to see you past the book's inital tedious stage.
This however, does not do justice to the second half, which remarkably captures the attention of the reader. The heroine of the piece suffers setback after setback, and develops into an admirable, becoming and interesting character, not to mention Mr Thornton, who seems to develop some personality over the span of the piece. The class relations, the plight of women and the longing for independence and individuality felt by the characters becomes entertaining where it first provided endless boredom. Even more interesting is the love hate relationship between Miss Hale and Mr Thornton. Due to the fact the piece was not entirely completed, the ending is lacking a certain solidardity and denies the novel the zest it requires to 'bring it home'.
Despite the fact it came to grow on me, the beginning and the ending have lowered my opinion of the novel immensly, and it does become slightly repetitive. The romantic basis of the novel reminds me slightly of Austen's classic 'Pride and Prejudice'; the opening opposition of the lovers, the favours etc. This piece would have to contain more substance, though is by no means a better novel, despite the fact it explores such themes as classes and poverty, which Austen's piece rarely (if ever) mentions.
Regardless, eventually interesting enough, though certainly not among my favourites, and definitely not one I would have considered reading had it not be compulsory.
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