I was given a copy of Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. Apparently, there was a BBC adaptation starring Judy Dench that came out at some point, but I've not seen it.
Anyway, it seemed like it might be a nice, easy read, so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm afraid to report that I wasn't taken by the eccentric old biddies of Cranford. The way they were introduced did not paint them in a flattering light, and I found all the petty concerns with class, appearances and so on dull. I've read Austen and others from the 19th century, so I know that the lives of women were fairly limited in terms of socialising and free time, but I just found it a bit too much.
The women in Cranford are all described as old (although main character Miss Matty turns out to be 58!) and are either spinsters or widows - men are viewed with great suspicion - and spend most of their time worrying about bonnets and playing cards. There are a few stories told of their younger days, mostly lost loves and banished brothers, which is not too cheery! The book reminded me, in a weird way, of John Steinbeck's The Pastures of Heaven, albeit not QUITE as bleak.
In cooking news, I am making butterfly cakes for my work colleagues - we are going out for a leaving lunch (for me!) on Thursday, following our successful leaving meal and drinks on Friday.
I am now less than a week away from the move back up North and the opportunity to join a new gym, so I can't wait for that!
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