North and South

Mrs. Gaskell uses the contrast of northern and southern England as a framework for an indepth examination of Victorian society. Her characters are complex, representing the rising working class, the intelligence, the aristocracy and the clergy. The narrator does an excellent job of rendering dialect differences among characters, adding depth to the story. Through her compassionate voice we are able to feel the conflict, vexation and the introspective struggle of the main characters. The prolonged conversations among characters make listening somewhat tedious, but the listener will be rewarded by persevering to the end. J.K.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Margaret Hale learns firsthand about nineteenth-century labor concerns when she moves from a rural parsonage to a bustling mill town in northern England. In the process, she experiences personal tragedy and romance. This complex story requires a narrator who can accurately convey the historical conditions and character motivations. Clare Wille certainly fits the bill. She animates Gaskell's classic story with faultless characterizations. John Thornton emerges as haughty yet honorable. With her willful determination, Margaret is his perfect foil. Wille uses accents to indicate social status as well as to create memorable personalities. The desperation of the impoverished workers comes through in passionate dialogue that is intense and immediate. Wille's reading of this social history makes it more accessible to contemporary audiences. C.A. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine