Mary Webb was an English novelist whose works are set primarily in the Shropshire countryside and among its people. Her writing is notable for its descriptions of nature and the human heart, imbued with a deep sympathy for all her characters, finding good and truth within them. She crafted narratives with a distinctive voice and style, drawing readers into the world of her stories. Her literary significance lies in her masterful depiction of the human connection to the natural world and her profound understanding of human nature.
The book is a facsimile reprint of a culturally significant antiquarian work, preserving its historical value despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. This edition aims to protect and promote literature by providing an affordable, high-quality reproduction that remains true to the original text, ensuring its accessibility for contemporary readers.
Hazel Woodus is a innocent gypsy girl living in the woods in the company of the wounded animals in her rural surroundings. Unfortunately for Hazel, she is not blessed with the presence in her life of a partner who can share both the physical and spiritual aspects of life with her. Her innocent exuberance catches the eye of the kindly minister, Edward Marston, and the cruel squire, Jack Reddin. She eventually marries Edward, but their love remains unconsummated as Edward feels he must preserve her innocence and suppress his own desires. But Hazel has desires of her own which she doesn't understand, and she starts finding herself drawn to Reddin's power and virility.