Esther Waters (Annotated)

This edition includes the following editor's analysis: George Moore, a key precursor of naturalism and modernity

Originally published in 1894, “Esther Waters” is a novel by Irish author George Moore. Written in a Zola-like naturalistic style, “Esther Waters” stands out among Moore's publications as the book whose immediate success brought him financial security and it is widely considered Moore's finest novel.

Set in England from the early 1870s onward, “Esther Waters” concerns the eponymous heroine, a poor but pious woman whose life takes an unfortunate series of turns that end up pitting her personal conscience against prevailing social standards.

Esther Waters belongs to a poor working-class family and, while working as a kitchen maid, is seduced by another employee and becomes pregnant. She is deserted by her lover, and against all odds decides to raise her child as a single mother.

“Esther Waters” is one of a group of Victorian novels that depict the life of a "fallen woman".