5 Victorian Novels About . . . Illegitimacy

[@kathleencraine7335]

My favorite novel dealing with this theme is Dr Thorne, but I would also add Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell. It focuses more on Ruth (the mother) than on her illegitimate child, but the same ways society mistreats and scorns both the mother and son are all there.

[@larrymilliken288]

I’ve only read one of the 5 books you mentioned, which is Bleak House. Dickens beautifully wrote an affectionate portrayal of Esther’s intimate thoughts. How she viewed her self-worth and place in the social order gave me a lot of empathy for her. It’s such a good story.

[@timstoomanybooks]

One of the characters that I enjoyed in No Name was Captain Wragge. For me, he exemplifies the difference between a rogue and a villain. Everything about him loudly shouts "Villain" but in every important way he has a heart of gold

[@madebylora]

Bleak House and No name were the first books to pop into my head, so I enjoyed seeing those as your first 2 recommendations. I’d be interested to read the other 3 which you recommended too.

[@blane1814]

Bleack house is one I want to read. I shall order it now. Thanks for recommending us these books 💜

[@TimeslipNovel]

What a great approach. Definitely subscribing. ❤❤❤

[@reaganwiles_art]

I have not seen you in my feed forever. Good to see you again.

[@reaganwiles_art]

What! And what book is on the top of my TBR? Bleak House! Ha Ha! That's awesome. Literally, its bricky form is here on my little table

[@stephenn3727]

Thank you Katie!

[@anneroy4560]

I am thinking of a book sitting on a shelf right beside me ... The Dead Secret by Willie Collins ...

[@Dosser810]

I really enjoyed No Name 😊

[@LissysLittleLibrary]

Such a great video! 👏🏻 I read No Name last Victober and loved it! Ralph the Heir and Bleak House are on my 2025 tbr, they sound so intriguing!

[@grandmaliciastorytime]

Love your videos! A favorite novel of mine is Adam Bede...

[@isabellemenez5704]

I just finished Oliver Twist (not my favourite novel), and Oliver is illegitimate while his legitimate brother is... evil !

[@terrysaunders2393]

I would add Castle Richmond as a Trollope novel which deals with illegitimacy in a very striking way - I believe it’s on your 2025 reading list and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Also, just to recommend No Name to anyone who hasn’t read it - a wonderful mix of drama, humour and eccentricity!

[@acratone8300]

A good one was never finished, Edwin Drood. The twins Neville and Helena are adopted, presumably because of illegitimacy. They are of dark complexion typical of India natives. Genteel but Neville is highly aggressive, and Helena is oddly very careful.

[@josepherhardt164]

5 Victorian Novels About . . . Illegitimacy Just 5? Isn't this just about the _definition_ of a Victorian novel? ;) Hell, entire _religions_ have been founded on illegitimacy!

[@susprime7018]

The Elizabeth Gaskell novel Ruth that I read last year for Victober did me in on the theme of Victorian Christians and illegitimatcy. I would not recommend Ruth. The not very Christians are damnable, dirty and disgusting.