Adam Bede by George Eliot
"Adam Bede" is a 19th-century novel set in rural England that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and moral responsibility. The story revolves around a hardworking carpenter, Adam Bede, who is in love with a vain but beautiful dairymaid, Hetty Sorrel. However, Hetty is seduced by a young, thoughtless squire, Arthur Donnithorne, which leads to her becoming pregnant. When Arthur abandons her, Hetty leaves her baby in the woods, where it dies, and she is subsequently charged with infanticide. Adam, devastated by Hetty's actions, finds solace and eventually love with a devout Methodist preacher, Dinah Morris. The novel ends with Adam and Dinah marrying, finding happiness after the tragedy.
The 550th greatest book of all time
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following lists:
- 189th on The Complete 500: OCLC (OCLC)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)
- Famous Authors Name Their Favorite Novels(from 1915) (New York Times)
- William H. F. Lamont’s 100 Best Novels (1947) (archive.org)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)