Daniel Deronda

George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda is a sweeping novel that blends social drama, romance, and philosophical reflection. At its heart are two unforgettable characters: Gwendolen Harleth, a beautiful and headstrong young woman whose pursuit of wealth and status leads her into a disastrous marriage, and Daniel Deronda, a man of mysterious parentage searching for his purpose in life. Their lives intersect at a moment of crisis, setting each on a path of transformation.

Through Daniel’s encounter with Mirah Lapidoth, a young Jewish woman fleeing despair, the novel takes a bold turn toward spiritual discovery. Daniel’s journey into the world of Jewish identity and early Zionist thought gives the book an unexpected global resonance, exploring questions of belonging, destiny, and the moral responsibilities we owe to others.

Eliot’s final novel is both intimate and panoramic, offering a profound meditation on character, choice, and cultural renewal. With its psychological depth and moral vision, Daniel Deronda remains one of the most ambitious and forward-looking works of the Victorian era.

About the author

George Eliot (1819–1880), born Mary Ann Evans, was one of the most important novelists of the Victorian era. Known for her intellectual depth and psychological insight, her works, including The Mill on the Floss and Silas Marner, continue to resonate with readers for their profound examinations of human nature and society.