“She stood on the platform watching the receding train. A few bushes hid the curve of the line; the white vapour rose above them, evaporating in the pale evening. A moment more and the last carriage would pass out of sight. The white gates swung forward slowly and closed over the line”.
Esther Waters by George Moore, first published in 1894, is a powerful realist novel that explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of a working-class woman in Victorian England. It is considered one of Moore’s finest works and a landmark in English naturalism, drawing comparisons to the works of Émile Zola for its unflinching portrayal of societal issues.
The story follows Esther Waters, a devout young woman raised in a poor, religious family. She takes a position as a servant in the household of the Barfields, a family heavily involved in horse racing and gambling. Despite her moral upbringing, Esther becomes romantically involved with William Latch, a stable hand, who ultimately abandons her after she becomes pregnant.
Esther faces the harsh realities of life as an unwed mother in a society that offers little support or compassion for women in her situation. She loses her job and must fend for herself and her child, enduring numerous hardships while trying to maintain her dignity and faith. Over time, Esther finds work, confronts difficult choices about her relationship with William, and struggles to balance her own needs with her responsibilities as a mother.
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Categories: Fiction Historical Literature Classics