Scenes of Clerical Life by George Eliot - George Eliot's first published fictional work is a neglected gem by the literary genius

Scenes of Clerical Life is comprised of three tales of three clergymen. Eliot explores different facets of society and various aspects of life such as misfortune, rejection, and repentance. Her stories are remarkable for their insightful and intricate characterization. This book will keep up on the edge of your seat till the last page.

George Eliot's first published fictional work is a neglected gem by the literary genius
George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) was born in Warwickshire in 1819. Her father was an estate manager and farmer. Little Mary Ann knew life in rural England. She would make rural Britain during the time of the industrial revolution her main fictional focus. She is the author of great classics "Middlemarch" "Adam Bede" "The Mill on the Floss" "Romola
and "Daniel Deronda/"
Prior to the publication of these classics there is the charming and touching work "Scenes of a Clerical Life." Mary Ann was living without benefit of clergy with the author/scientist/man of letters George Henry Lewes who couldn't divorce his mad wife to mary the homely but brilliant Mary Ann (she spoke seven languages and had written widely on biblical criticism, science, book reviews and essays of erudition and wit). Lewes suggested she try her hand at fiction. The result is this collection of three stories which was published monthly in the liberal "Westminster Review" owned by the Blackwood Family in 1857. It was later published in book form under the pen name of "George Eliot". Charles Dickens was the only critic who correctly observed that these stories had to have been written by a woman.
The three tales are:
1. The Sad Fortunes of the Rev. Amos Barton-The setting for this story as for the other two is the mythical Midlands town of Milby. Barton is an a very average cleryman who is not well liked by his parishoners. He is in dire poverty supporting several children and a sickly wife Millie. When Mrs. Barton dies we see how the church folks support Barton in his grief. The story is short and touching.
2. Mr. Gilfil's Love Story. This second clergyman in the trilogy of tales is a kindhearted old minister of the gospel. Eliot takes us back to 1788 to the story of his lost love for the beautiful Caterina. Caterina was born in Italy to an opera singer. When he died she was taken to England to be raised by a rich family. Her chief purpose is to sing for the family. She falls in love with a wealthy aristocratic soldier who dies. Mr. Gilfil who has loved her all along then marries Caterina. She herself dies in childbirth. Despite his grief Mr. Gilfil ministers for many years to the people in Milby. This tale is a tragic story of love and loss and
redemptive service to other people. Eliot told realistic stories about ordinary people. She is the a novelist of great psychological depth as well as able to puncture the balloons of hypocrisy always afloat in human society.
Janet's Repentance. Janet is a wealthy woman who is also a battered wife. She is married to Mr Dempster who is a wealthy powerful attorney. Dempster is also an incorrigble drunk and wife beater. One night he cast Janet out into the cold. She is rescued by kind friends and the saintly Rev. Mr. Tryan. We see Janet rescued from despair to a life of useful service. We also overhear debates by the townspeople (serving as a Greek chorus in Eliot's works) commenting on the theological controversies of the day.
These three stories would lead to George Eliot's name becoming known in the literary London world and among the reading publis. Soon her authorial star would rise high in the wild blue yonder of literary immortality. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

For More 5 Star Reviews, Complete Product Review and The Lowest Prices Please Visit:
Buy Scenes of Clerical Life by George Eliot At The Lowest Price!