Charles Reade
Charles Reade was an English novelist and dramatist, best known for his novel 'The Cloister and the Hearth'. He was a prolific writer who often addressed social issues in his works.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Cloister and the Hearth
A Tale of the Middle Ages
Set in the 15th century, this historical novel tells the story of a young Dutch artist named Gerard Eliassoen, who abandons his lover, Margaret, and their children to become a Dominican friar, while she, believing him dead, becomes a nun. The narrative follows Gerard's adventures across Europe, his struggles with his faith, and his eventual reunion with Margaret. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and duty, and provides a vivid depiction of medieval life.
The 2279th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Love Me Little, Love Me Long
The novel explores the complexities of love and societal expectations through the lives of its protagonists, Lucy and David. Lucy, a young woman of modest means, finds herself caught between her genuine affection for David, a man of integrity and modest fortune, and the pressures to secure a more advantageous marriage. As they navigate the challenges posed by social class and financial constraints, the story delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring nature of true love. Through a series of misunderstandings and reconciliations, the characters ultimately discover the profound value of loving deeply and sincerely, regardless of societal pressures.
The 14343rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
3. It Is Never Too Late To Mend
A Matter of Fact Romance
This novel is a Victorian tale of justice and reform, focusing on the experiences of a man wrongfully imprisoned due to the machinations of a rival. Within the grim walls of the prison, he endures harsh treatment and witnesses the corruption and brutality of the penal system. The narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for redemption, as the protagonist's friends work tirelessly to clear his name. Throughout the story, the author exposes the flaws of the contemporary justice system and advocates for social change, emphasizing the moral that it's never too late to correct a wrong and seek to improve oneself and society.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. Peg Woffington And Christie Johnstone
Two Novels
This book intertwines the stories of two distinct women from the 18th century, one an Irish actress renowned for her talent and beauty, the other a spirited Scottish fisherwoman. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of love, social class, and the contrasting lifestyles of the two heroines. The actress's involvement with London's theatrical world is set against the fisherwoman's simpler, yet no less passionate life. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the societal expectations placed upon women during that era, providing a vivid portrayal of their struggles and triumphs.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. Hard Cash
A Matter of Fact Romance
"Hard Cash" is a Victorian novel that delves into the dark and corrupt world of private lunatic asylums in England. The story revolves around the wrongful incarceration of Edward Hardie, a young man who is falsely declared insane after his father's bank fails. The novel exposes the nefarious practices of the asylum industry, where individuals are imprisoned without proper legal process for profit or convenience. Through a series of dramatic events and the tireless efforts of his love interest, Edward's plight highlights the abuses of power within the mental health system and the urgent need for reform in the treatment of the mentally ill during the 19th century.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon