Elizabeth Gaskell’s first novel is set in industrial Manchester and vividly depicts the lives and conditions of the working class poor during the time of the industrial revolution. Mary is subject to the affections of both hard-working Jem Wilson and Harry Carson, son of a mill-owner. Mary initially rebuffs Jem’s proposal of marriage in the hope of marrying Harry, and securing a more comfortable life for herself and her father. However, she soon realises that she has made a mistake and really loves Jem.
Soon afterwards, Harry is shot and suspicion immediately falls on Jem, who is subsequently arrested. Mary discovers that the murderer is actually her father and, determined to prove Jem’s innocence, travels to Liverpool to find a witness to provide an alibi. During the trial , Jem learns of Mary’s love for him and the witness arrives in the nick of time for him to be found not guilty. Her father, racked with guilt, begs the forgiveness of the murdered man’s father and dies knowing he is forgiven. Jem and Mary subsequently marry and emigrate to Canada where they have a child and lead a happy and contented life.
I found this a powerful and moving novel, with strong characters and a densely written plot. The subject matter reflected the conditions of the period and it is obvious that the author felt very strongly about the terrible and unjust conditions endured by the factory workers and their families.
Cath
