Category: 19th century

Esther Waters is the story of a young servant girl who refuses to be broken by a world stacked against her. Abandoned by the father of her child, Esther must fight for dignity and survival in Victorian London-a society where single mothers are scorned, and virtue is punished.

First published in 1894, George Moore’s groundbreaking novel shocked readers with its uncompromising realism and deep compassion. It challenged the moral hypocrisies of its time and gave voice to a heroine who would not surrender her child, her values, or her humanity.

This is not a tale of idealized romance. It is a raw, beautifully written portrait of working-class life, moral courage, and quiet endurance. Moore’s style-influenced by French naturalists like Zola-was ahead of its time, paving the way for modern psychological fiction.

Before Jane Eyre captivated the world, Charlotte Brontë penned a powerful debut novel that dared to challenge social norms and explore the inner life of a man determined to find his place in a rigid society. 

The Professor follows William Crimsworth, an Englishman who rejects privilege and inheritance to forge his own path as a teacher in Belgium. Through love, ambition, and personal struggle, Brontë crafts a story rich in emotional depth, quiet rebellion, and sharp insight into the human condition.

Written with the same fierce intelligence and keen psychological observation that define her later works, The Professor is a compelling exploration of identity, class, and resilience – a literary gem too long overshadowed.