Silas Marner, George Eliot
Silas Marner, George Eliot
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Silas Marner

Author: George Eliot

Narrator: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Bell

Unabridged: 6 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/05/2024


Synopsis

"Silas Marner" is a classic novel that delves into the intricacies of human nature, societal dynamics, and the power of redemption. The story begins with Silas Marner, a skilled weaver living in the fictional village of Raveloe. Silas is unjustly accused of theft by his best friend, and as a result, he is ostracized from the close-knit community he once belonged to. Broken-hearted and embittered, Silas relocates to a remote cottage on the outskirts of the village, where he lives a reclusive and miserly existence, finding solace only in his work and in hoarding gold coins. As years pass, Silas becomes known as the town's mysterious and eccentric figure, feared and avoided by the villagers. His sole companionship is his precious hoard of gold, which he counts obsessively every night. However, his tightly controlled world is disrupted when a cataclysmic event occurs: his gold is stolen. Devastated by this loss, Silas is forced to confront the emptiness of his existence and reevaluate his priorities.
Meanwhile, in a parallel narrative thread, the novel introduces the Cass family, particularly Godfrey Cass, the eldest son, and his secret marriage to a lower-class woman, Molly Farren. Through a series of unfortunate events, Molly succumbs to opium addiction and dies, leaving behind their young daughter, Eppie. Eppie's arrival in Silas's life marks a turning point in the story. When Silas discovers her abandoned near his cottage, he takes her in and becomes her guardian. Initially unsure of how to care for the child, Silas gradually learns to love and nurture her, forming a deep bond that brings warmth and joy back into his life. As Eppie grows up, she becomes an integral part of the community, beloved by all who know her. Silas's love for Eppie transforms him from a bitter recluse into a caring and engaged member of society. Through Eppie, Silas learns the true value of human connection and the importance of love and belonging.

About George Eliot

George Eliot is the masculine pen name of Mary Ann Evans (1819–1880), one of Victorian England's leading novelists. Her first stories appeared in Blackwood's magazine, followed by such novels as The Mill on the Floss, Silas Marner, and Middlemarch. Her work was popular with critics and the public alike, and in later years her novels were especially valued for their detailed portrayals of rural English life.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Baba on June 06, 2022

George Eliot's deservedly revered classic - a profound and powerful tale about love, loyalty, reward, punishment, fate and fortitude perfectly capturing the early years of the 19th century yet still communicating its message today. A wonderful read. 8 out of 12. 2012 read......more

Goodreads review by Henry on June 06, 2024

An innocent young man Silas Marner, is accused of stealing Church money, the actual crime committed by his best friend, William, (a common occurrence ?) the culprit wants Silas's fiancee, Sarah. She soon rejects Silas, but not the treacherous William. The distraught weaver flees Lantern Yard, when h......more

Goodreads review by Michael on April 10, 2008

When I was a teen, I heard that Silas Marner was a horrid old book about a rotten old miser and that I never wanted to read it. My Thanks to modern day Steve Martin who has updated several classics (ie Cyrano de Bergerac's 'Roxane') and 'Silas Marner' with modern movies that beautifully hold true to......more

Goodreads review by Tim on December 01, 2022

I read Silas Marner when I was a freshman at Michigan State University for one of my American Thought and Language classes. I loved the book until I discovered the last 30 pages were missing in my copy of the book, and I no longer had the store receipt. Also, I didn't have the time or money to go bu......more