George Eliot

In this insightful biography, Kathryn Hughes narrates the life of middle-aged Eliot, the daughter of a self-made businessman, who faced social exile due to her controversial affair with married writer George Henry Lewes. As her literary success flourished, she overcame societal disapproval, ultimately establishing herself within London's literary elite. Hughes crafts a balanced portrayal that delves into Eliot's personal struggles and the social and intellectual landscape of her time, revealing a complex woman whose contradictions resonate deeply with both her era and ours.