Born in Exile (ePub)

George Gissing (1857-1903) was an English novelist known for his realistic portrayal of the various social strata and the intricacies of individual destinies in Victorian society. Born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, Gissing endured a tumultuous life that significantly shaped his writing. Despite a promising start at Owens College (now the University of Manchester), an indiscretion led to his imprisonment and subsequent relocation to the United States. After his return to England, Gissing devoted himself to writing, drawing upon his personal misfortunes and acute observations of societal disparities. 'Born in Exile' (1892) is one such novel that exemplifies Gissing's narrative style, exploring the theme of intellectual aspirations stifled by societal constraints. The book's nuanced consideration of ambition, class struggle, and personal fulfillment reflects Gissing's preoccupation with the human condition and the limitations imposed by social class. His detailed and sympathetic portrayal of characters, who often find themselves at odds with societal norms, positions Gissing as a critical observer of the relentless social dynamics of the time. His literary corpus, which includes works like 'New Grub Street' (1891) and 'The Odd Women' (1893), ratifies his reputation as a writer deeply concerned with issues of poverty, gender, and the pervasive class divide. Gissing's work, although not achieving widespread popularity during his lifetime, continues to be studied for its gritty realism and psychological depth.