Esther Waters
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1894
416
Novel • Fiction
London • 1880s
1894
Adult
18+ years
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
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.
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.
416
Novel • Fiction
London • 1880s
1894
Adult
18+ years
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