North and South (Gaskell)

"North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell is a novel that explores the social and industrial divide in 19th-century England. It contrasts the rural, peaceful south with the rapidly industrializing north, highlighting the struggles of workers and the complexities of class and gender. The story follows Margaret Hale, who moves from the south to the north and witnesses these societal changes firsthand. Through her experiences and relationships, the novel examines themes of economic hardship, social inequality, and personal integrity, offering a nuanced look at the challenges and transformations brought about by the Industrial Revolution.