Fascinating Victorian Novels You Might Not Have Heard of By Women
The Victorian period was a rich time for literature, but many people only encounter the most famous writers such as Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde (both of whom are excellent authors worth reading). At the same time, people haven’t always heard of Victorian novels by women other than the Brontes or George Eliot. As someone who loves Victorian literature, I’m recommending three Victorian novels by women writers who don’t receive enough attention.
- Hester by Margaret Oliphant
After reading this book, I thought that it’s such a shame that Oliphant’s writings get so little attention. There aren’t even print editions available of all of her novels. This gem, however, features as an Oxford World’s Classics edition and is easy to acquire. A novel from the late Victorian days, this book focuses on Hester Vernon. She and her mother depend on the kindness of Catherine Vernon who supports them through her bank ownership, but she dislikes Hester. This book contains excellent characterizations, and Catherine and Hester are both engaging, independent women who assert themselves in a sexist society. It’s also an incredible study of and challenge to Victorian courtship conventions when Hester’s suitors appear.
2. Sylvia’s Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell
