The Absentee

The Absentee, published in 1812 by Maria Edgeworth, is a novel that critiques the lives of Irish landlords living in England, particularly through the character of Lady Clonbrony, who struggles for acceptance in high society while neglecting her responsibilities in Ireland. The story follows her son, Lord Colambre, as he grapples with his family's debts and the implications of absentee landlordism, ultimately leading him to return to Ireland to confront their estate's realities. Edgeworth's work is notable for its early exploration of social class, identity, and duty, reflecting her advanced views on estate management and politics for a woman of her time.