The novel follows the tumultuous life of Mary Saunders, a young girl in 18th-century London who is driven by a desire for fine clothes and a better life. After a series of misfortunes, including being cast out by her family and falling into prostitution, Mary flees to Monmouth, where she finds work and a semblance of stability with a seamstress named Mrs. Jones. However, her yearning for freedom and luxury leads her down a dark path, culminating in a tragic and violent climax that underscores the harsh realities faced by women of her time.
The 7106th greatest book of all time
Grew up in Ireland, 20s in England doing a PhD in eighteenth-century literature, since then in Canada. Best known for my novel, film and play ROOM, also other contemporary and historical novels and short stories, non-fiction, theatre and middle-grade novels.
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