Mary Barton
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4.2 • 33 Ratings
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Publisher Description
The novel begins in Manchester, where we are introduced to the Bartons and the Wilsons, two working class families. ohn Barton reveals himself to be a great questioner of the distribution of wealth and the relation between the rich and the poor. He also relates how his sister-in-law Esther has disappeared after she ran away from home. Soon afterwards Mrs Barton dies, and John is left with his daughter Mary to cope in the harsh world around them. Having already been deeply affected by the loss of his son Tom at a young age, after the death of his wife, Barton tackles depression and begins to involve himself in the Chartist movement connected with the trade unions
Customer Reviews
Historical Novel with a true Victorian Heroine
Margaret Gaskell has a great knack of story telling and educating at the same time. Set in Victorian Manchester, it's a hard life and this book tells a tale of hardship, inequality, honour and love. At times it is hard to take but the story is worth the anguish of understanding a little of how hard life was for the workers during the industrial revolution, and you are well rewarded with excitement of rescue, courtroom drama and true love. Her characters are beautifully portrayed and you feel for them all.
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a compelling storyline and is full of little pieces of social history which
Interest me enormously. Despite the hardship it describes in those far off days, the enduring and constant love of family shines throughout.