Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell has many similarities to North and South. Jem Wilson reminds me of Thornton in some ways. This is Gaskell’s first novel and she packed an awful lot of drama into one story. It would make another great BBC mini-series!

As much as I love North and South, I’m convinced that Wives and Daughters is Gaskell’s masterpiece. I tell everyone who loves Gaskell or Jane Austen to read this. I plan to read this book every few years. I love it!

Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre is a must-read for anyone who loves Victorian fiction. And of course there’s the connection to Gaskell. Elizabeth and Charlotte Brontë were friends, supporting each other.

I adore the BBC adaptation with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson. The screenwriter is Sandy Welch, the same screenwriter who did the BBC adaptation of North and South.

Charles Dickens

Speaking of connections to Gaskell, you can’t forget Charles Dickens! Dickens was Gaskell’s editor for the serial publication of North and South in the magazine “Household Words.”

I loved reading Bleak House for its suspenseful mystery, romantic story, and tireless scorn of the convoluted justice system of the day. Gillian Anderson and “Bessy” (Anna Maxwell Martin) were great in the BBC adaptation.

I also enjoyed reading Little Dorrit. The relationship between father and daughter here reminded me a little of Margaret and Mr. Hale. Of course, the BBC adaptation with Matthew McFadden and Claire Foy was wonderful to watch too!

Thomas Hardy

Hardy’s writing is exquisite. I’m amazed at how well he can get inside the heads of his female protagonists. He has an incredible ability to create vivid images and evoke strong empathy with the characters.

When I first read Tess of the D’Urbevilles, I was stunned. I didn’t have a clue as to the story plot, so it all unfolded with Hardy’s gorgeous and absorbing prose. His novel is a scathing look at the double standard of the day. I loved the book so much, I didn’t want to watch an adaptation.

One of my favorite romantic heroes is Gabriel Oak from Far From the Madding Crowd. As I read it, I saw many similarities between Gabriel Oak and John Thornton. This is one of Hardy’s more romantic stories. I enjoyed the 2015 movie with Carey Mulligan.