Classic novels are always worth a read, if only so you can form your own opinion on them

The novel is unfinished, though. I read the Wordsworth Classics edition of it, and it had an ending compiled posthumously from Gaskell's notes by her editor, I think.

It serves, but you know - it's not Gaskell. Her genius is in her narration.

To wit, you should also read Gaskell's biography of the Bronte sisters.