
“In old days there were angels who came and took men by the hand and led them away from the city of destruction. We see no white-winged angels now. But yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put into theirs, which leads them forth gently towards a calm and bright land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be a little child’s.”― George Eliot, Silas Marner
If some of George Elliott’s longer works are a bit intimidating, this book is a great introduction to her writing. I have read this book several times and it continues to be a favorite.
Silas Marner is a weaver who moves to the village of Raveloe after suffering a crushing betrayal. There he becomes a recluse, weaving by day and counting his money by night. When his gold disappears, he sinks into a deep depression. His life is changed forever when a small girl appears in his house.. After discovering her mother is dead and no other family claims her, Silas raises her as his own daughter. He experiences love and the joy of family and finally feels a part of the community but secrets still abound in Raveloe and their discovery may change everything.
This is a beautiful story of betrayal, loss, love, and redemption.
Content Advisory: Death, death of a parent, abandonment, addiction