Hester: A Story of Contemporary Life, Volume 1 (of 3)

"Hester: A Story of Contemporary Life, Volume 1" by Mrs. Oliphant is a story set in England during a time of transformative social change, focusing on a young woman named Hester who, along with her mother, grapples with financial misfortune and the complexities of family relationships after returning home; the drama ignites when the pair is taken in by a wealthy relative. This novel paints a picture of societal expectations and traditions clashing with individual desires, illustrated through Hester's fierce loyalty to her mother and struggles against the expectations of their benefactor. The story is a reflection on family dynamics, social standing, and personal identity amid unexpected hardship.