Mary Marston

"Mary Marston" by George MacDonald is a story set in a peaceful, old-fashioned town, following the journey of Mary Marston as she deals with social classes, her own beliefs, and romantic interests. The story looks at being good, knowing yourself, and how tricky relationships can be, especially for Mary as she meets different men. The book starts in a small draper's shop where Mary works with her father and George Turnbull. It's early May, and the town is quiet, which makes the shop seem special. We see Mary interact with people, like Tom Helmer, a customer who tries to flirt with her, but she stands up for herself. This shows that Mary is strong and independent, even when facing what society expects. Through her talks with George and others, we learn about her opinions on class, love, and why it's important to be honest, which prepares us for how she will grow and change throughout the story.