Bessie Costrell

"Bessie Costrell" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a story set in a rural community at the start of the 20th century, full of moral decay and social commentary. The book follows Bessie Costrell and her relationships with her husband, Isaac, and her uncle, John Bolderfield. In the beginning, John reflects on the life and impending changes following the death of his sister-in-law, Eliza. John transitions into an event, his thoughts turn to Bessie and Isaac. John's hoarded savings become mixed up with Bessie's life; she makes questionable and reckless choices after gaining a windfall from her recent aunt. The choices lead the village into despair as it deals with the repercussions of her actions.