A novel of feminine conduct in the Victorian era, North and South deals with everything from “dressing for tea” to strikes and mutiny. Margaret, the novel's heroine, laments, “Life, however, was yet in my possession, with all its requirements, and pains, and responsibilities,” yet still she remains steadfast. A study in contrasts, the poignant novel deals with life and death, happiness and sorrow, home and homesickness, both in the North of England and in the South.