Daniel Deronda

Introduction by A. S. Byatt

By George Eliot | Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

About the book

George Eliot’s last and most unconventional novel is considered by many to be her greatest. First published in 1876, Daniel Deronda is a richly imagined epic with a mysterious hero at its heart.

Daniel Deronda, a high-minded young man searching for his path in life, finds himself drawn by a series of dramatic encounters into two contrasting worlds: the English country-house life of Gwendolen Harleth, a high-spirited beauty trapped in an oppressive marriage to a wealthy man, and the very different life of a poor Jewish girl, Mirah, who is searching for her family. After rescuing Mirah from an attempt to drown herself in the Thames, Deronda accompanies her on her quest into London’s Jewish community, which he finds unexpectedly appealing. Gwendolen, meanwhile, increasingly relies on his support as she suffers from the consequences of her mistakes and the terror that she has brought a curse upon herself. As Deronda uncovers the surprising secret of his own parentage, Eliot’s moving and suspenseful narrative opens up a world of Jewish experience previously unknown to the Victorian novel.

Editions of Daniel Deronda

Hardcover
ISBN 9780375411236
Hardcover
ISBN 9780701117160
Paperback
ISBN 9780375760136
EBook
ISBN 9780307430878
Audiobook
ISBN 9780553526868

Read an Excerpt

George Eliot’s last and most unconventional novel is considered by many to be her greatest. First published in 1876, Daniel Deronda is a richly imagined epic with a mysterious hero at its heart.

Daniel Deronda, a high-minded young man searching for his path in life, finds himself drawn by a series of dramatic encounters into two contrasting worlds: the English country-house life of Gwendolen Harleth, a high-spirited beauty trapped in an oppressive marriage to a wealthy man, and the very different life of a poor Jewish girl, Mirah, who is searching for her family. After rescuing Mirah from an attempt to drown herself in the Thames, Deronda accompanies her on her quest into London’s Jewish community, which he finds unexpectedly appealing. Gwendolen, meanwhile, increasingly relies on his support as she suffers from the consequences of her mistakes and the terror that she has brought a curse upon herself. As Deronda uncovers the surprising secret of his own parentage, Eliot’s moving and suspenseful narrative opens up a world of Jewish experience previously unknown to the Victorian novel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Daniel Deronda about?

George Eliot’s last and most unconventional novel is considered by many to be her greatest. First published in 1876, Daniel Deronda is a richly imagined epic with a mysterious hero at its heart.

Daniel Deronda, a high-minded young man searching for his path in life, finds himself drawn by a series of dramatic encounters into two contrasting worlds: the English country-house life of Gwendolen Harleth, a high-spirited beauty trapped in an oppressive marriage to a wealthy man, and the very different life of a poor Jewish girl, Mirah, who is searching for her family. After rescuing Mirah from an attempt to drown herself in the Thames, Deronda accompanies her on her quest into London’s Jewish community, which he finds unexpectedly appealing. Gwendolen, meanwhile, increasingly relies on his support as she suffers from the consequences of her mistakes and the terror that she has brought a curse upon herself. As Deronda uncovers the surprising secret of his own parentage, Eliot’s moving and suspenseful narrative opens up a world of Jewish experience previously unknown to the Victorian novel.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Daniel Deronda?

Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general

Where can I read a sample of Daniel Deronda?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780375411236

Is Daniel Deronda part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Everyman's Library Classics Series

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Daniel Deronda?

George Eliot

Who is the Publisher of the book Daniel Deronda?

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Daniel Deronda is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780375411236) and hardcover(ISBN 9780701117160) and paperback(ISBN 9780375760136) and ebook(ISBN 9780307430878) and audiobook(ISBN 9780553526868)

Where can I buy Daniel Deronda online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Daniel Deronda from below

Where can I buy Daniel Deronda?