57 pages 1 hour read

Mary Wollstonecraft

Maria: or, The Wrongs of Woman

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1798

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Maria: or, The Wrongs of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft tells the story of Maria, who is forcefully imprisoned in an asylum by her husband, George Venables. She befriends Jemima, who works at the asylum, and begins corresponding with fellow inmate Henry Darnford. As Maria and Henry develop a romantic relationship, Jemima shares her own troubled past. The trio eventually plan their escape and confront legal battles and personal struggles as they seek freedom and justice. The book includes accounts of domestic violence, sexual assault, abortion, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Mary Wollstonecraft's Maria: or, The Wrongs of Woman describe it as a pioneering feminist work that critiques societal constraints on women. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and advocacy for women's rights. However, some find its unfinished state and the narrative's occasional melodrama detract from its overall impact. Overall, the novel is praised for its bold themes and historical significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Maria: or, The Wrongs of Woman?

Readers who would enjoy Maria: or, The Wrongs of Woman are likely interested in feminist literature, historical perspectives on women's rights, and gothic fiction. Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Wollstonecraft herself will appreciate its themes of female agency and social critique.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Gothic Literature

Education

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Philosophy

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Identity: Femininity

Society: Education