Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell
A Tale of Manchester Life
The novel is a poignant social commentary set in the industrial city of Manchester during the 1840s, exploring the harsh realities of working-class life. It follows the story of the titular character, a young woman whose life is marred by personal tragedy, including the loss of her loved ones to poverty and illness. As she navigates the chasm between the poor mill workers and the wealthy mill owners, the narrative delves into themes of love, class conflict, and the struggle for justice. The protagonist becomes embroiled in a dramatic tale of murder and mistaken identity, which ultimately leads to a quest for forgiveness and reconciliation amidst the prevailing social injustices of the time.
The 1450th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1848
- Nationality
- British
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 400-500
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.7)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 5 lists:
- 52nd on 100 Best Books to Read by Women Authors (Good Housekeeping)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- 100 Best Novels in the World (Published in 1899) (The Daily Telegraph)
- 500 Great Books by Women (Book)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)