The Mill on the Floss

First published in three volumes in 1860, The Mill on the Floss tells the tale of Maggie Tulliver and the four men she loves. How they destroy her, how she destroys them, and how they all end up irredemptively miserable. Or dead. It is a poignant tale, encompassing sibling relationship, filial duty and coveted independence of the protagonist against a background of early 19th century England, with its epitomizing focus on social class, rigid morality and clan loyalties.