The Hand of Ethelberta

"The Hand of Ethelberta" is a comedy novel by Thomas Hardy that follows the life of Ethelberta, a woman who rises from humble beginnings to become a renowned poet and storyteller. Despite her success and the attention of several suitors, she grapples with balancing her public life, her secret background, and her responsibilities to her family. The novel explores themes of social mobility, personal ambition, and the complexities of relationships.