Silas Marner by George Eliot
Review by Penelope B., Youth Reviewer
George Eliot wrote the classic novel “Silas Marner”, entertaining readers for centuries. The story is set in 19th-century Northern England and is centred around the lonely life of the weaver, Silas Marner, and a few of the Raveloe town’s people. The story also focuses on the oldest son of a wealthy townsman and how he wants to marry a lovely lady but is burdened with a past mistake continually haunting him. This classic novel has been adapted into theatrical plays and movies, one of which starred Ben Kingsley.
After an ordeal prompting Silas to leave his previous hometown of Lantern Yard, Silas Marner lives a life of solitude, hoarding away the money he’s earned the past years from his weaving. On the other hand, Godfrey Cass, son of a rich, well-respected man, struggles with money and love for a woman he is dreaming of marrying but is continually blackmailed by his brother, Dunstan, who threatens to spill a horrible secret about Godfrey’s past to their father which would ultimately ruin the whole family name. However, it is a known fact that the Raveloe town people know about the large sum of money Silas Marner hoards, and it is only a matter of time before Silas is robbed. Silas is devastated that the money is gone, but the lone weaver soon receives something of much greater worth than all the gold his heart ever desired. Both Silas and Godfrey gained something from an unfortunate event. However, only one lives a life of happiness, while the other leads one of misery and secrets.
My favourite part of the book was when all the secrets were revealed at the end. However, I did find that the novel had a very long and tedious beginning, and the accents made it hard to understand what was being said. Other than that, I enjoyed “Silas Marner”. Other books to read, like “Silas Marner”, would be the many other novels by George Eliot, which I intend to read soon.
Find “Silas Marner” at the Kitchener Public Library!