North and South — Unabridged Audiobook by Elizabeth Gaskell
North and South is Elizabeth Gaskell’s unabridged audiobook, narrated by Rachel Atkins. It follows Margaret Hale from rural Hampshire to the industrial mill town of Milton, exploring class, industrialisation and changing social conventions.
At a glance
- An unabridged narration of Gaskell’s novel about social class and industrial change.
- Margaret Hale’s move from Hampshire to the fictional mill town of Milton brings contrasting social worlds into focus.
- Narrated by Rachel Atkins.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unabridged format preserves the full novel rather than offering an abridged retelling.
- The 18-hour, 54-minute runtime offers an extended listen for buyers seeking the complete story.
- Customer feedback praises the story, characters and portrayal of social conventions.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Author | Elizabeth Gaskell |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Rachel Atkins |
| Listening length | 18 hours and 54 minutes |
| Version | Unabridged |
| Program type | Audiobook |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | SNR Audio |
| Publication date | 20 Nov. 2025 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners seeking an unabridged classic novel about Victorian society, class and industrialisation.
- Fans of Elizabeth Gaskell or character-led historical fiction.
Less suited to
- Listeners who prefer short audiobooks or contemporary, fast-paced prose; this is a lengthy classic novel.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
52% 52% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
13% 13% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback is positive about the novel’s story, character development, writing and social context, with readers also describing it as engaging. Readability draws mixed opinions, so the classic prose may suit some listeners better than others. The aggregate rating is 4.2 out of 5 from 1,396 ratings; that overall score does not explain individual preferences.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the well-written story and memorable characters.
- Feedback highlights the portrayal of social conventions and the novel’s engaging narrative.
Mixed feedback
- Customer feedback is mixed on readability, which may matter to listeners who find older literary styles demanding.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote and narrates this audiobook?
The author is Elizabeth Gaskell and the narrator is Rachel Atkins.
Is this an abridged edition?
The listing identifies the version as unabridged.
How long is the audiobook?
The listed listening length is 18 hours and 54 minutes.
What is the novel about?
It follows Margaret Hale as she leaves rural Hampshire for the industrial town of Milton, where she encounters class differences and the effects of industrialisation.
