Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

Read for the Gaskell Reading Challenge over on GaskellBlog.com. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Elizabeth Gaskell's writing is so charming that she reels you right in and doesn't let go until the very end. Reading about the lives of old Victorian women was so fascinating to me, for some reason. They were such lovely ladies - I almost hated to bid them goodbye at the last words, especially dear Miss Matty. It had romance and comedy and drama and interesting people that you want to read about, and end up feeling very close to.  The Victorian era is one I am particularly fond of so I loved reading a first hand account of Victorian life, especially from a female perspective.

I fully intend to visit Cranford again in the future, and to continue reading Mrs. Gaskell's other works, including North & South and her short stories. (I am also very much looking forward to seeing the film!)

Classics Reading Challenge 2011

Yet another challenge, but I can't help it. I'm very excited about all of them and I look forward to actually using my lit blog. :)

This one is at Stiletto Storytime and is a challenge to read classic books - any classic books - as long as they are classic. :)

My list for this challenge (all of which I have wanted to read for ages now):

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackery
Frankenstein - Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
House of the Seven Gables - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Classics Reading Challenge

Being a Jane Austen Mystery Reading Challenege 2011

To read several books of the Jane Austen Mystery series by Stephanie Barron by December 31st 2011.

Have not read this series so this seemed like a great opportunity to try it. :)

Since I am doing two other challenges and have tons of other books I want to read this year I shall stick to the Neophyte level of 1-4 books. But I will read 4. :) (probably the first four in order)

Jane Austen Mystery Reading Challenege at AustenProse.com

Elizabeth Gaskell Reading Challenge 2011

To read two books by Victorian authoress Elizabeth Gaskell by June.

My chosen books are North & South, and Cranford.

I very much look forward to doing this challenge!!

Gaskell Reading Challenege on Gaskell Blog