Hester

"Hester" (1883) is a compelling tale set in Victorian society, focusing on the themes of female empowerment and familial discord. When Catherine Vernon uses her own wealth to save the family bank after her cousin John's betrayal, she faces unexpected challenges from Hester, John's strong teenage daughter, who is unaware of her father's misdeeds. As tensions rise between the two women, a complex interplay of authority and resentment unfolds, showcasing the depth of domestic realism in Mrs. Oliphant's highly regarded work.