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murasaki_r's review against another edition
4.0
the author was very based, very depressing book but also highlighted a lot of dark aspects from the Victorian age
kalervonpoika's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
4.0
I really really liked this! I love reading Victorian book that look at fallen women - their destitution, their shame, their life, etc. Every Victorian author has something different say on the matter, and I really liked Moore’s sympathetic portrayal of the figure. Esther was such a lovely character to follow, and her life was far from easy. A brill read.
Just felt the last 100 pages or so were a little dull - when she had settled, the horse racing narrative just grew a little boring and repetitive.
Just felt the last 100 pages or so were a little dull - when she had settled, the horse racing narrative just grew a little boring and repetitive.
emma_leoni's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
rosieannereads's review against another edition
5.0
so. many. tears.
Not only does this novel of his concern itself with the prevalent issues of class and gender in late Victorian England, but it does so in the utmost realistic fashion.
It highlights the blatant hypocrisy of the rich, the all-consuming anxieties of the poor, and the unrealistic expectations that society places upon its members (or rather its lower class).
However, instead of blaming the poor for their own misfortune by gambling and drinking away their coin, Moore examines the hardships and the terrible treatment the lower class has to endure. Instead of demonising notions of 'fallenness' among women, he offers an explanation as one why they find themselves in supposed 'immoral' situations.
Thus, this novel does not offer romanticised passages of women repenting their terribly sinful actions or allow its characters the Dickensian trope of inheriting a fortune or marrying far beyond their station simply for being 'good' and 'proper', but rather an frank account of the injustices experienced by those who dared to be born into poor families.
'Esther Waters' is certainly one of the most realistic pieces of Victorian literature I have read in a while!
Not only does this novel of his concern itself with the prevalent issues of class and gender in late Victorian England, but it does so in the utmost realistic fashion.
It highlights the blatant hypocrisy of the rich, the all-consuming anxieties of the poor, and the unrealistic expectations that society places upon its members (or rather its lower class).
However, instead of blaming the poor for their own misfortune by gambling and drinking away their coin, Moore examines the hardships and the terrible treatment the lower class has to endure. Instead of demonising notions of 'fallenness' among women, he offers an explanation as one why they find themselves in supposed 'immoral' situations.
Thus, this novel does not offer romanticised passages of women repenting their terribly sinful actions or allow its characters the Dickensian trope of inheriting a fortune or marrying far beyond their station simply for being 'good' and 'proper', but rather an frank account of the injustices experienced by those who dared to be born into poor families.
'Esther Waters' is certainly one of the most realistic pieces of Victorian literature I have read in a while!
ravenclaura's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lidz_2tc's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kiri_johnston's review against another edition
4.0
Esther is an absolutely fantastic character - brave, hardworking, resourceful and strong - and I'm glad that this treats her as a person rather than a caricature of ideal womanhood. This novel and the way it portrays Esther's struggles feel so ahead of its time - I wonder how it was received in the 1890s!! It's so refreshing to see a Victorian tale with a working-class character that isn't overly moralistic and preachy. Sure, Esther's religious upbringing motivates many of her decisions, but her nature is guided more by her personal morals - ie securing a good future for herself and her young son.
I loved the way in which Moore also exposes the hypocrisy inherent in 'polite' society; it's something I wish would have been more apparent in similar novels like Gaskell's 'Ruth'.
I loved the way in which Moore also exposes the hypocrisy inherent in 'polite' society; it's something I wish would have been more apparent in similar novels like Gaskell's 'Ruth'.
jacob_longini's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
saddlebowl123's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0