Silas Marner - by George Eliot (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An innocent young man is betrayed by a close friend and wrongly accused of stealing Church money. Exiled from his religious community, with his life shattered, his trust in God lost and his heart broken, an embittered weaver, Silas Marner leaves his village and moves to the rural town of Raveloe. There, he throws himself into his craft and lives only to adore the gold coins he earns and hoards from his weaving.

On a cold snowy night, an orphaned child, barely able to walk finds her way into his house, Silas is given the chance to transform his life. He comes to love Eppie, adopts her as his own daughter, and discovers the joys of family and friendship, despite the trials and tribulations that ensue. It is a powerful and profound tale about love and loyalty, punishment and reward, fate and fortitude.

Elliot's writing style is notable for its strong realism and for covering a great many social issues. It perfectly captures the early years of the nineteenth century and still communicates its message today. The unique characters and gripping plots keep readers hooked as its combination of humor, rich symbolism and pointed social criticism create an unsentimental but affectionate portrait of rural life.

Cherished for generations, Silas Marner is George Eliot's favorite of her novels.