Bessie Costrell

"Bessie Costrell" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the titular character, Bessie Costrell, and her complex relationships with her uncle John Bolderfield and her husband Isaac. The narrative delves into themes of trust, money, and moral decay within a rural community setting, highlighting the struggles of ordinary lives intertwined with personal ambitions and societal judgments. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to John Bolderfield, an elderly laborer, who reflects on his life and impending changes following the death of his sister-in-law, Eliza. As he prepares for a significant transition, his thoughts turn to Bessie and her husband, Isaac. Their lives become intertwined with John's hoarded savings, leading to moral dilemmas as Bessie engages in reckless spending following a windfall from her late aunt. The book opens with a vivid depiction of the village and its inhabitants, establishing an atmosphere ripe for tension and drama as the repercussions of Bessie’s choices unfold in their community. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Augusta Ward was a British novelist who wrote under her married name as Mrs Humphry Ward. She worked to improve education for the poor setting up a Settlement in London and in 1908 she became the founding President of the Women's National Anti-Suffrage League.