Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell

The novel is a poignant social commentary set in the industrial city of Manchester during the 1840s, exploring the harsh realities of working-class life. It follows the story of the titular character, a young woman whose life is marred by personal tragedy, including the loss of her loved ones to poverty and illness. As she navigates the chasm between the poor mill workers and the wealthy mill owners, the narrative delves into themes of love, class conflict, and the struggle for justice. The protagonist becomes embroiled in a dramatic tale of murder and mistaken identity, which ultimately leads to a quest for forgiveness and reconciliation amidst the prevailing social injustices of the time.

The 998th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 376

Since this book was first published in 1848, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 376.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.