58 pages 1 hour read

William Godwin

Caleb Williams

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1794

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Caleb Williams by William Godwin follows the story of Caleb Williams, a curious young man who, after becoming the literary assistant to the enigmatic and aristocratic Ferdinando Falkland, stumbles upon a dark secret involving a past crime. Caleb's relentless pursuit of the truth leads him into a dangerous conflict with his master, resulting in false accusations, imprisonment, and life as a fugitive, ultimately revealing the harsh inequities and corruptions within the British social and legal systems of the time. The book contains depictions of sexual assault, wrongful imprisonment, and mental illness.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

William Godwin's Caleb Williams is praised for its exploration of social justice, class disparity, and the corrupting influence of power. Critics laud Godwin's compelling narrative and character development. Some find the prose dense and the pacing uneven, but its themes resonate with readers. Overall, it is a profound, though occasionally challenging, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Caleb Williams?

A reader who enjoys philosophical exploration, a probing of social justice, and psychological thrillers will appreciate William Godwin's Caleb Williams. Fans of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, with their profound moral questions and intense character studies, will find this novel compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Education

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Society: Class

Topics

Education

History: World