South Riding by Winifred Holtby

[WhistlersandJugglers]

I had a thread asking for epic book recommendations a while back and a few people suggested South Riding. I'm about two thirds of the way through it and it's great. Engrossing characters and a Mr. Rochester style romantic hero. There's a lot in it too about the politics and social changes of the 1930s.
So thanks to those who recommended it and it's a good choice for anyone else looking for an epic read.

I love South Riding - I think I recommended it more recently to someone but I don't know if I was one of the people who recommended it to you. I hope you enjoy the rest. It's sad that Winifred Holtby died young and this was her final novel.

Gosh, it is years (decades) since I read this and you have spurred me on to read it again. It is a fabulous story.

Yes it's a great novel!

You've inspired me to dig out my copy after a long time. It's a wonderful story.

Persephone Books also published The Crowded Street by her which I would also recommend.

It was funny to see this thread. I’m currently about a third into it.Miss Burton just helped with the birthing.I am really enjoying it.

I read this a few months ago and possibly recommended it I really enjoyed it and felt It was so well written and I could visualise all the characters . I have been trying to find the BBC adaptation of it but without success

Here's a link to Yorkshire Television's 1974 version of South Riding in thirteen episodes, that you can find on Youtube. I believe it's available on DVD, which will have a better picture.

It's my favourite version - the Anna Maxwell Martin one of 2011 wasn't bad, but I thought they tried to stuff too much into just three episodes, and 'modernised' it to reflect the values of today rather than the 1930s.

There's also a b/w film version from 1938 on Youtube, but it takes a good many liberties with the story - Midge suddenly becomes horse-mad instead of being absolutely terrified of riding, etc!

Ooh thank you for posting this :)

Thanks for that. That will be a treat for when I’ve finished.

The Land of Green Ginger is my favourite Winifred Holtby book. Young girl makes a rash marriage during WWI to someone she met twice, has to then deal with living with him and his illness when the war ends, having children and all the hardships of rural life and little money.