The Nether World

Set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century London, the narrative delves into the complexities of class struggle and the impact of greed on family dynamics. Michael Snowdon, despite his wealth, chooses to live modestly, intending to bequeath his fortune to his granddaughter Jane for charitable purposes. However, his estranged son Jonathan seeks to manipulate the situation for his gain, revealing the lengths individuals will go to escape poverty. George Gissing paints a vivid portrait of societal disparity, capturing both desperation and the flicker of hope among the vulnerable.