"North & South" is a novel written by Elizabeth Gaskell, first published in 1854. The story follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from the rural South of England to the industrial town of Milton in the North. The novel explores themes of class conflict, industrialization, and social change during the Victorian era. The narrative contrasts the lifestyles and values of the agrarian South with the industrial North. As Margaret navigates her new environment, she encounters various characters, including the mill owner John Thornton, who represents the complexities of industrial society. The book highlights the struggles and relationships that arise from these differing worlds.