Adam Bede

Based on a true story shared with George Eliot by her aunt, Adam Bede weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. Hetty Sorrel, a beautiful but self-absorbed niece of farmer Martin Poyser, catches the eye of both the village carpenter, Adam Bede, and the wealthy squire, Arthur Donnithorne. While Adam genuinely loves Hetty, her ambitions lead her to dream of becoming Arthur's wife. However, after a brief affair, Arthur abandons her, leaving Hetty devastated. Despite her heartbreak, Adam remains loyal, and Hetty agrees to marry him, but their future is uncertain. Celebrated by Alexandre Dumas as "the masterpiece of the century," this novel is praised for its vivid realism, charming depiction of rural life, and sharp wit.