Esther Waters

A novel written during the late 19th century that delves into the life of a young working-class woman navigating the complexities of service, social class, and her own identity. The story follows Esther, a resilient and hardworking kitchen maid, as she grapples with her past and confronts the challenges of her new life at Woodview, a grand estate. With themes of class struggle and personal growth, the character of Esther embodies the struggles of many women of her time. The opening of the novel introduces us to Esther standing at a train station, feeling the weight of her bundle as she prepares to take up a new position as a kitchen maid at Woodview. Her thoughts reveal her insecurities about fitting in among the other servants and her concerns about her appearance and background. As she makes her way to the estate, she is met by William, the son of the cook, who offers to help her with her heavy load. Their brief conversation allows Esther's character to emerge as a hardworking, yet naive and hopeful young woman, eager to escape her difficult past. The reader gets a sense of her apprehensions about the expectations of her new job, and the influences of the class distinctions she must navigate in her life. This sets the stage for Esther's journey of self-discovery amid the rigid boundaries of social class and her desire for a better life.