Being a huge fan of 18th and 19th century British Literature, it’s always a pleasure to discover a new writer from the era. A friend of mine recommended that I read Elizabeth Gaskell. So off I went to the bookstore and picked up ‘Cranford and Other Stories’. I loved it. Gaskell’s work although entirely original is at the same time a hybrid of Jane Austin plot-lines and Charles Dickens humor.
A few months ago, I chanced upon the BBC adaptation of Cranford and I knew I had to watch it. No one does more justice to their literature than the BBC. I have always liked BBC’s books to TV series adaption and this was no different. The cast was perfect; Dame Judi Dench as the slightly mousy but brave Miss Matty, Eileen Atkins as the prim and proper Miss Jenkins and Imelda Staunton as the gossiping Miss Pole.
The interesting thing about the BBC adaptation is that it does not stick to the novella that is ‘Cranford’ alone but borrows from several stories that Gaskell based in the town of Cranford. It successfully creates a town with its own personality – a small universe in itself. There is adventure, romance, and funny escapades but more importantly, there are well-defined characters.
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It reminded me very much of the TV adaptation of LM Montgomery’s novels which are based in a fictional town in Canada. Avonlea, like Cranford, is a small provincial town with its share of gossiping women, naughty children, troubled doctors and well, tea-parties.
Verdict
I would recommend Cranford to any discerning viewer of period drama. For your much baser instincts, Simon Woods is not bad on the eyes :). Watch Cranford Online
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6 comments
Oh yes…I’m yet to begin reading Cranford…will do so soon.
In retrospect I liked Anne of Avonlea. Where did you find these DVDs?
oooh nice header…is this from your trip to Boston?
zoya – Anne of green gables is my all time favorite book . Karthica had lent me the DVDs and yes the photos are from the trip.
You must watch Cranford I think you will like it
Oh Yes, Vipula, I thought Cranford was outstanding and am a huge fan of PBS (here in the US, which shows lots of BBC projections) you summed it up beautifully when you said:
“It successfully creates a town with its own personality – a small universe in itself.”
I really did not want Cranford to end. If I ever held still long enough I bet actually “reading” Cranford would be pure delight as well! There I’ve confessed, I hardly read anymore …. how sad is that! I admire you for your thirst for books! So I shall live vicariously through your book reviews 😉
Cranford was wonderful. The TV series anyway. Shamefully, I’ve never read the books – I really must as I gather they’re quite different so I won’t necesarily feel like I’ve already read them because I’ve seen the TV series. My favourite was Eileen Atkins but I also liked Philip Glenister. Good series.
Patty – Thanks for your comments. Its okay if you have not read the book – the TV series is quite nice in itself.
Cath – You must read Cranford or works by E. Gaskell – she has a knack for bringing out the humor even in the most serious situations. The series is different as it brings together a couple of her novellas but is quite faithful to the basic storyline and essence