I’ve read dozens of Victorian novels, but North and South pulled me through the pages as few have. When about a dozen of my readers over at Richly Rooted strongly urged me to read the book and watch the movie, I finally complied. Somehow I had the mistaken impression that it was a Very Long Novel.

In fact, I was bitterly disappointed by the first episode.įans told me to “wait and see,” and I did.įor years, friends had told me to read (or watch) North and South, but I put it off. I fully expected to join their ranks when I finally watched the series a few months ago. The North and South TV serial has a wildly enthusiastic and staunchly loyal fanbase. But when the BBC miniseries adaptation burst onto the screen in 2004, that pretty much changed forever. Here’s why fans of the book need a new definitive version.įifteen years ago Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1885 novel North and South may have been one of the best-kept secrets of Victorian literature. Many period drama fans love the 2004 BBC North and South miniseries, but it fails Elizabeth Gaskell’s original novel.

North & south episode 2