Comments on 'Cranford'

This book was well received by the whole group. The discussion was enlightened by the presence of Liz Williams, a member of the Gaskell society. Liz began the evenings meeting with an excellent account of Elizabeth Gaskell and extended the talk to include other Victorian women writers.

'A book that also lends itself to being read aloud'
'I warmed to the characters and enjoyed reading about them'
'Each sentence is so well written. In spite of the long rambling sentences the reading flows'
'I would have hated living in this society it was so snobbish'
'A lot of subtle humour throughout'
'The references to local places such as Arley Hall, the Salt Mines at Northwich, Milton(Manchester) and of course Knutsford (Cranford) all add to the enjoyment of the book'
'There was a poignancy about Miss Matty which left me feeling sorry for her'

Further Reading
'Domestic Manners of the Americans' by Fanny Trollope'

Recommended Reading

'Teacher Man' by Frank McCourt
'Lois the Witch' by Elizabeth Gaskell