In "New Grub Street," George Gissing unravels the gritty underbelly of late 19th-century London, where ambition clashes with the harsh realities of the literary world. Following the lives of struggling writers, it explores the relentless pursuit of success amidst societal pressure and moral dilemmas. Gissing artfully depicts the tension between artistic integrity and commercial viability, leaving readers questioning the true cost of ambition. With vivid character portrayals and astute social commentary, the novel paints a haunting portrait of creativity in a capitalist society. Will the characters rise above their circumstances, or will the insatiable hunger for fame consume them?
By George Gissing
Published: 2022
"The world is a grave, and all that we can do is dig our own."
Set in London’s Grub Street, famous for the large number of ‘hack writers’ and mediocre publishers who resided therein, New Grub Street tells a tale of stark contrast: of Edwin Reardon, a critically acclaimed but not commercially successful novelist, and of his friend Jasper Milvain, a decent writer who cares more about money than the craft. Reardon’s marriage to the sophisticated Amy Yule is precariously close to failing: he married her through the merit of his literary successes, but he is not earning nearly enough money to support the two of them. Tensions are high, and at some point things must come to a head. And so the stage is set… New Grub Street is semi-autobiographical, drawing on Gissing’s own experiences as an author in literary circles of the time. George Gissing was a 19th century British author best remembered for his novels New Grub Street and The Odd Women and his criticism and analysis of Charles Dickens’ works. Part of the Naturalist literary movement, he was considered one of the finest English novelists of his time and was praised by his contemporaries, including G.K. Chesterton and George Orwell.
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“The world is a grave, and all that we can do is dig our own.”
New Grub Street
By George Gissing
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
George Gissing (1857–1903) was an English novelist known for his keen social observations and poignant portrayals of Victorian society. Born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, he faced various hardships in his early life, including financial struggles and personal tragedies, which deeply influenced his writing. Gissing's works, such as "The Odd Women" and "New Grub Street," often explored themes of poverty, gender, and the challenges of the literary life. His style combined realism with a melancholic tone, earning him a place among the significant literary figures of his time. Despite facing initial disregard, Gissing's novels have garnered renewed appreciation for their insight into human experiences and the complexities of modern life.
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