Book Review – Cranford (1853)
I’ve always been a huge fan of Elizabeth Gaskell. Her writing, from short stories to full-fledged novels, is both entertaining and educational. If you’ve read classics like North and South or Wives and Daughters, you already know how talented she was. She wrote during the same era as Charles Dickens, who was often her editor and published some of her works in his magazine, Household Words. That’s where Cranford first appeared as a serial novel in the early 1850s.
Gaskell, much like Dickens, had a favorite book among her works, and for her, it was Cranford. In the introduction to my edition, Gaskell mentions that it’s the only one of her books she rereads, especially when she wants a good laugh. After reading Cranford, I can see why she felt that way. It’s a hilarious and wonderful look at life in a small town and its quirky residents.
Style and Characters
The story is narrated by Miss Mary Smith, who describes the lives of the people in Cranford, a town mostly inhabited by unmarried older women with strong opinions. The plot revolves around Mary and her experiences with the Jenkyns sisters, Deborah and Matilda. I won’t spoil too much, but you can expect mystery, tragedy, misunderstandings, gossip, missing brothers, and a lot of humor. It’s an absolutely delightful read.
Cranford is written in a way that feels like a long, friendly chat. It’s as if a close friend is updating you about mutual acquaintances and their latest escapades. The serialized nature of the original publication is evident as you read, keeping you curious about what happens next.
The characters are compelling and lifelike. As you read, you can picture the kindly Miss Matty, the determined Ms. Pole, the charming Captain, the timid parson, and the spirited Martha, among others. Everyone feels like someone you might meet in any small town, which makes the story even more immersive. In fact, Gaskell based Cranford on Knutsford, the town where she grew up.
Conflict and Mystery
Cranford is a town managed mostly by women, which makes it even funnier when men appear. The bickering between Ms. Deborah Jenkyns and Captain Brown over their favorite authors is particularly amusing, given how few men there are. The main characters, who are mostly women, engage in conversations and face fears that are both relatable and entertaining. One example is the humorous debate on what three gentlewomen should do if they fear being robbed.
Though Cranford features several conflicts and mysteries, it primarily reads like a slice-of-life story. Gaskell interweaves conflicts and mysteries throughout the narrative but maintains a strong focus on character development.
Adaptations
Cranford has been adapted for television twice. The 1972 series had four episodes, while the 2007 adaptation by the BBC spanned two seasons with a total of seven episodes. The 2007 series, available on Amazon, features notable actors like Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, and Francesca Annis, with a cameo by Tom Hiddleston. Although I haven’t watched either series, their plot summaries suggest they capture the novella’s spirit and essence, if not all the details.
Overall Thoughts
Cranford is a charming journey through a fictional town that somehow feels very familiar. If you enjoy light-hearted, insightful stories about relatable people, I highly recommend this book. It’s both smart and funny, making for a delightful read. If you’re a fan of Elizabeth Gaskell or looking to start with one of her works, Cranford is a fantastic choice.
Overall Rating
Did you enjoy Cranford? Have you seen either adaptation? Let us know in the comments!
