The Morgesons

Description

The quest for independence has been a long and difficult struggle for women that was alive and well in the mid-1800s. The Morgesons is a novel that explores this popular and controversial topic through the eyes of Cassandra Morgeson, a woman who strives toward financial, sexual and spiritual independence and success, in a world of constricting beliefs and limited possibilities, amplified by the inhibitions associated with the small New England seaport town that she resided in.

Although Cassandra’s plight seems an insurmountable obstacle at times – and most especially at the beginning of the story – family allegations and requirements, as well as the social taboos and inhibitions of her time were not enough to hold her. Cassandra manages to gradually break free of her constraints, but not without considerable difficulty.

This story is one of the most inspiring novels about women’s role in 19th century society and the challenges they had to face. It is also a testament of how strong and resourceful women can really be when they pursue even goals that seem to be most difficult to attain.

Elizabeth Stoddard manages to skillfully combine romantic fiction with the male-centered narrative style that was frequently used by authors at the time. Gothic romance and Victorian realism play a significant role throughout the story, and when it comes to the quality of Stoddard’s style and approach to writing the novel, it has brought comparisons with authors such as Eliot, Balzac or Tolstoi during her lifetime.

While it may take sometime for some 21st century readers to get accustomed to the slower, more methodical pace of the novel, The Morgesons sets in a type of unique magic through its pages that will captivate you throughout the read.
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