Cranford Audiobook (Unabridged)

" While I found the stories in this book entertaining, I left each story slightly confused as to how it related in the storyline. I also couldn't avoid the feeling of being abandoned at the end of the book, no real enfing was provided. I did enjoy it though as more of a collection of short stories. "

" If you like Jane Austin and the Anne of Green Gables books, you will enjoy this. "

" More a series of vignettes than a continuous plot-- this collection was an enjoyable picture of the lives of some interesting characters. I appreciated the wit and humor that characterized gaskell's writing. "

" The charming small hardback edition I read includes a short novel (Cranford), a short story (The Cage at Cranford) and a novella (The Moorland Cottage). Cranford focuses on the foibles and particularities of the mostly feminine residents of 19th century Cranford, and reminded me a little of the Miss Read books with its gentle humor and feeling. The Moorland Cottage had a somewhat melodramatic plot. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape. "

" Beautifully written, amusing portrait of life in a small, middle-class town. "

" A beautiful and well-drawn snap shot of English town life. The characters are wonderfully well-drawn and portray a beautiful tenderness. "

" I read a lot of Gaskell in grad school, and I really can't remember reading this book. I might have read it, but there's nothing about it that's very memorable. There's really not much plot, but it was still kind of a fun read because Gaskell's Austen-like humor. "

" I have read this before, happy to have one on my Kindle. Yay, me! "

" Ah ha! I finished it! Just in time! Watched part of the movie last night, will finish it tonight. I liked the book, but am definitely liking the movie better. "

" Amusing and highly enjoyable read. "

" Cranford is a more like a book of short stories than a novel. I found it a bit incongruous and over-long. Not a novel I would recommend to a friend. "

" Just delightful. It's like sitting down to a nice cup of teas and some scones with your Nana! "

" More disjointed than I remembered, but an interesting story nonetheless. I REALLY like the movie version as well. "

" What a lovely little book! "

" Slow-moving, but good. I enjoyed the movie more. "

" A really cute book, although slightly boring. Not a lot happens, but the relationships with the characters are touching. It's short, so worth reading. "

" Classics, Masterpiece Theatre: May, 2010. "

" It's an amazingly charming book about middle-aged, gossipy women. At first, the story didn't seem to have a clear purpose, but it's winding plot settled nicely in the end. Now I"m going to watch the Masterpiece miniseries and compare! "

" Such fun. It is a little clunky at first but quickly becomes quite engrossing. "

" Charming. At times melodramatic, but isn't that one of the things we love about Victorian writers? Even without the draw of a young romance in the story, I still found the book highly enjoyable. Gaskell's portrait of the spinsters of Cranford was painted with respectful humor and insight. "

" On the surface, this is an account of pastoral English life in the 18th century. On a deeper level it is about a community of spinsters who are definitely in charge! "

" No real plot, just a ramble through the lives of some elderly genteel ladies in a country town, not very exciting but, with some gentle humour, a very engaging and enjoyable read. "

" I really wish I'd discovered this when I was younger. Cranford is absolutely delightful, full of humour and wonderful characters. "

" I have read most of Elizabeth Gaskell's books but somehow had never got round to this. A gentle read with lots of wry humour and a real insight into the lives of middle class Victorian of a certain age. "

" Good, but more of a collection of random stories. Little dry, sometimes hard to get through, but worth a read :) The BBC mini series is excellent. "

" I loved this. And I am not ashamed to say some stories brought tears to my eyes. Something about the smiplistic description just made me fall into this world. I will be reading more Gaskell. "

" I loved this book and its characters, but it's a very old fashioned read. You have to be in the right mood to enjoy it. "

" Elizabeth Gaskell. We're friends now. Austen + Dickens + delightful characters = what's not to love? "

" I LOLed. Several times. I think that's pretty good for a book written in the 1850s. "

" Very nice. Knowing that this was originally serialized in Dickens' Household Words, I think the format of the book suits the publication very well. Miss Matty is a delightful cahracter, although you do want to shake her on occasion. "

" I've enjoyed other books by Elizebeth Gaskell, but I found this book lacking in character. Most likely because it was a collection of anecdotes rather than a novel. An enjoyable read, but not one I'd add to my list to buy or revisit in the future. "

" Although it took me a little bit to get into the book, I ended up liking the oddities of Cranford! So many chuckles! I heard the movie is great and covers the other books in the series. When I am able to find 4 spare hours, I will watch it! "