Selene at the Shaggy Dog Story blogged about Cranford, which is one of my comfort reads. Her post points out what a narrow existence the genteel ladies of Cranford were permitted. And it takes place just before the railways arrive, bringing great change to the small towns of England.
So why is it a comfort read?
I think partly because of the warmth of the relationships between the women and the gentle humour of the narrator, Mary, in her descriptions of the dilemmas of the main characters. I like it because it is domestic and "small".
I first read it on Mull - 16 or 17 years ago. So I have that happy memory as well. And it is a shared love with my mother. We don't have much in common when it comes to reading, so it's nice when we can agree on this.
And another part of the comfort for me is that it is a good book for me to read when I cannot concentrate. Gaskell writes so clearly and I know it so well, it isn't quite the effort most other books are.
And no, I haven't seen the tv series.
Thanks for the linkage! I'm excited :D I loved Cranford for similar reasons, I just love how supported the women of Cranford were, that sense of love and community. I'd love to feel that in my community. I'm doing a readalong of Ruth soon, you should join up! :D
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