The Nether World

Set in the harsh realities of Victorian London, this novel explores the lives of characters grappling with poverty and social inequality amidst industrialization. The story follows Clara Hewett, burdened by family responsibilities, and Sidney Kirkwood, who faces the challenges of ambition and destitution. Gissing delves into themes of class struggle, urban decay, and the fragility of human relationships, offering a gritty portrayal of societal disparities and moral dilemmas in a rapidly changing environment.