Publisher's Synopsis
Palaces and Prisons is a novel written by Ann Sophia Stephens and published in 1871. The story follows the lives of two women, one born into wealth and privilege and the other into poverty and hardship. The wealthy woman, Edith, is forced into a loveless marriage with a cruel and abusive husband, while the poor woman, Marion, struggles to make a living as a seamstress. The two women's lives become intertwined when Marion is hired to work in Edith's household. As they get to know each other, they realize they have more in common than they initially thought. The novel explores themes of social class, gender roles, and the limitations imposed on women in Victorian society. It also touches on issues such as domestic violence, alcoholism, and the corrupting influence of wealth. Through the characters' experiences, Stephens offers a critique of the societal norms of her time and advocates for greater equality and justice. Palaces and Prisons is a thought-provoking and engaging work of fiction that offers insights into the social and cultural landscape of 19th-century America.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
