Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler

The novel follows the life of Ernest Pontifex, from his birth in the early 19th century until his middle age, and his struggle against the restrictive morality of Victorian England. Raised in a stiflingly oppressive household by his hypocritical clergyman father and submissive mother, Ernest eventually rebels against his upbringing, leading to his imprisonment for a minor crime. Upon his release, he rejects his past life and religious beliefs, eventually finding happiness and success as a writer. The novel provides a scathing satire of Victorian-era attitudes towards religion and family life.

The 601st greatest book of all time


Published
1903
Nationality
British
Type
Fiction
Pages
400-500
Words
164,000
Original Language
English
Alternate Titles
None

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