Mary Barton

Narration as Brilliant Performance Art

Juliet Stevenson is nothing less than brilliant in narrating this work of Elizabeth Gaskell, and brings its several characters to life with seeming effortlessness. It is a piece of vibrant performance art. Gaskell's touching novel is a reminder that the extent to which socio-economic dislocation and abuse will be eradicated is dependent on being spiritually alive to the oneness of humanity. And though written over 150 years ago, Gaskell's deep concern over society's deafness to the poor, never heavy-handedly conveyed, unfortunately still has rich meaning.

23 of 23 people found this review helpful

Mrs. Gaskell was so far ahead of her time

Elizabeth Gaskell wrote novels and short stories in the 1840-60's. That is 150 years ago! And her novels have aged perfectly because the people speak in voices that you could hear today.

She was only 55 when she died, leaving her last novel, "Wives and Daughters", unfinished. She also wrote "North and South", referring to England and the comparison between idyllic village life and terrible manufacturing town life. "Cranford" is a short novel, her second, and probably her best when considering characterizations.

I find it incredible that "Mary Barton" was her first novel. It is chock full of people you will recognize from our culture today. Our American culture at that, probably any culture.

Gaskell wrote in a manner that was so far ahead of her time. She needs to be appreciated by more people than just English majors. Her work deserves all sorts of people to read it. Just darned good story-telling.

I heartily recommend all her novels to Audible listeners. Even though these novels are in the public domain, the Audible versions are so much better spoken. The readers chosen by Audible are perfect, light British accent and easily understood. They add a lot to these books.

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

What a Discovery to Have Found Elizabeth Gaskell

I happened upon Elizabeth Gaskell's final, almost fairy tale like book. I was so charmed by her story and lyrical writing that I decided to see what else she had written. To my amazement her other books expose the harsh, unforgiving realities of the workers and their families as a result of the Industrial Revolution, as it transpired in England in the early 1800s--very different from her final book.

I also learned that Ms. Gaskell is the author of the famous "North and "South," a book I felt too daunting to read as my next book. I chose instead "Mary Barton" as a warm up to this other book that I now intend to read. "Mary Barton" turned out to be much more than a warm up. It is hard to put into words the beauty of Elizabeth Gaskell's writing, even as she describes human hardship and misery brought upon one class of men against another. And then to also weave many stories of human love and an actual love story within such dire circumstances!

I am so glad that I found, although belatedly, this other author from 19th century England who deserves to stand with the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen.

Oh! I must not forget to commend the narrator, Juliet Stevenson, whose performance I cannot imagine could be surpassed by any other. What lulling beauty of her voice. What amazing ability to bring to life the words on a page. She took me right there to the lives and depth of character of the people of Manchester, England.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Why Can't I Give Juliet Stevenson 10 Stars???

This was Elizabeth Gaskell's first novel. It's a little sentimental and a little too fawning about religion for my taste, but overall, it's a stunning work of fiction. Amazingly vivid and rich, brutally honest about the plight of workers (in a way that feels highly relevant to today's anti-union attitudes), and touching in its portrayal of the heroine's moral dilemma and emotional maturation. Once the story gets underway, it's hard to stop listening. It's like a thriller in that way. This is the third Gaskell novel I've read, the first I've listened to.

But let's cut to the chase: Juliet Stevenson absolutely KILLS IT with one of the most stunning readings I've heard. It rivals Ruby Dee's performance of Their Eyes Were Watching God in the variety of accents and dialects done with absolute perfection and scary consistency. This novel has a large cast of characters and without exaggerating or going over the top, Stevenson gives each one a distinctive voice. Truly, it's amazing. Some of the dialogue looks a little daunting on the page, but Stevenson makes it soar with complete clarity. This is maybe the third or fourth book I've heard her narrate, and to be honest, she makes everyone else seem like a cheesy amateur. She really is that good. I know it's a cliche to say "I'd listen to so and so read the phone book" but truly, I believe Stevenson would make it interesting. I wish she'd stop acting and devote herself entirely to this so she could record EVERYTHING.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great reading of a heart warming story

What made the experience of listening to Mary Barton the most enjoyable?

Juliet Stevenson's narration!

What other book might you compare Mary Barton to and why?

North and South as far as the tale being set in the industrial revoultion and the conflict between masters and men.

What does Juliet Stevenson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her narration was awesome! She brough the characters to life with emotion; I loved it!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The repentance of Mr. Carson following the plea for forgiveness by his son's murderer.

Any additional comments?

This was a delightful story and brought to life the human struggle between master and worker and her call for men to treat each other as fellow citizens on God's earth, no matter their position in society.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Good story but preachy

I love Gaskel's storytelling ability, especially her talent for bringing vividly to the reader's imagination the period in which she lived and the peoples amongst whom she lived. However this is a very dark, bleak tale of passion, jealousy, starvation, and murder. Death permeates this story in every form. Characters are also over dramatized, with swooning and mental breakdowns happening frequently. The narrator as written breaks into frequent burst of scripture quoting and sermon delivering. This is definitely one of Gaskel's most "preachy" novels. I enjoyed the tale none the less and Ms. Stevenson is amazingly talented with the various accents.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Fast-Paced for Gaskell

I'm a great fan of Elizabeth Gaskell since I listened to Cranford, and Mary Barton served only to increase my admiration for her story-telling. This one was surprisingly fast-paced especially toward the end. She really had my heart racing with the suspense of it all! And Juliet Stevenson does it again with her agile reading. It just amazes me how she can switch so rapidly between characters with such different voices and accents.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

My Happy Discovery of Mrs Gaskell!

Mrs Gaskell! You enchant me! This book is so beautifully written, and so very modern. Yes, the wording is old-fashioned and the ways in which the people interact are old-fashioned, but the book reads fresh and insightful. The characters express emotions that a person can relate to today. As I discussed this book with my husband I found myself repeating "she wrote this book 150 years ago!" I found this book filled with characters who live today. I have added all of her novels to my TBR list and am excited to read each of them. I m surprised that the name Elizabeth Gaskell isn't more widely known, like her contemporaries Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and the Bronte' sisters.

And the narrator of the audio book I listened to, Juliet Stevenson, was equal to the book. She carried me to Manchester of the mid-1800s. She gave the characters the depth they deserved and allowed the words to be deep and complex and lovely, as they were written.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not a page turner but a fine novel

This is a very fine novel and my first read from Elizabeth Gaskell. The characters or well-developed and sometimes good to a fault. I appreciated the way this book approached the heartfelt issues of its characters from a Christian viewpoint.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Classic!

Gaskell's versatility is admirable. I really got into this story, and the narrator was perfect. Highly recommended. Also North and South--which I liked even better.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful