South Riding
The lives and loves of a 1930s Yorkshire town explored in a passionate tale of politics in small places. South Riding charts the story of Sarah Burton's homecoming to Yorkshire in 1934 after twenty years teaching in London and the Empire. After a fiery interview with a conservative interview panel, outspoken Sarah takes up her first headmistress-ship at Kiplington High School for Girls, determined to demonstrate to her new pupils that the future is theirs for the taking.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in Yorkshire in the 1930s, the series follows Sarah Burton, a progressive young woman who takes up a position as headmistress at a girls' grammar school. She navigates the complexities of small-town life, challenging social conventions and forming relationships while dealing with her own past.
Critical Reception
The series received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its performances and historical detail, though some found the pacing slow. Audience reception was generally favorable, appreciating its period drama elements and compelling storyline.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for strong performances, particularly Anna Maxwell Martin.
- Appreciated for its faithful depiction of 1930s England.
- Some viewers found the plot somewhat predictable or slow-paced.
Google audience: N/A
Fun Fact
The series is based on the 1936 novel of the same name by Winifred Holtby, which was a bestseller and nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
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