Plot Summary

Esther Waters

George Augustus Moore
Guide cover placeholder

Esther Waters

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1894

Book Brief

George Augustus Moore

Esther Waters

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1894
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1880s

Publication Year

1894

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Esther Waters by George Augustus Moore, first published in 1894, follows the life of Esther Waters, a poor and devout woman whose moral principles are challenged by a series of unfortunate events. After being seduced and abandoned by a footman named William Latch, Esther is dismissed from her job, becomes a wet nurse, and faces hardships as a single mother. She later encounters both William and Fred Parsons, leading to difficult choices about love and stability. The story depicts her struggle against societal norms and ends with her finding solace and stability. The novel contains themes of abuse, abandonment, and poverty.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Challenging

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Esther Waters by George Augustus Moore is lauded for its realistic portrayal of a woman's struggle in Victorian England, with strong character development and social commentary. Critics, however, note its slow pacing and heavy dialect, which can be challenging. Overall, it remains a significant, empathetic exploration of perseverance and morality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Esther Waters?

A reader who enjoys Esther Waters by George Augustus Moore is likely interested in Victorian literature with strong social themes. They may appreciate the gritty realism and character-driven narratives similar to those in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles or George Eliot's Middlemarch.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1880s

Publication Year

1894

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!