Judith (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Brian Cleeve |
| Products | Historical fiction novel |
Judith represents the third historical fiction novel authored by Brian Cleeve, situated in the late 1700s England. Continuing the tradition of his earlier works, it centers on a young, self-reliant woman confronting a difficult environment. Released in 1978, this book ranks among Cleeve's most commercially successful titles, particularly in the American market.
Plot summary
Set in 1799, the story follows eighteen-year-old Judith Mortimer, who resides with her widowed father Jonathan on their farm in Essex. Jonathan has dedicated much of his life to writing scholarly treatises that have not brought financial success, leaving the family nearly impoverished. After suffering a stroke that confines him to bed, he focuses on completing A Treatise on Just Government.
To sustain the household and care for two servants, Judith permits local smugglers to store merchandise in the farm’s outbuildings, receiving ten to fifteen guineas each time. Jonathan is burdened by debt owed to a local earl and cousin stemming from a legal conflict over their grandfather’s inheritance. The earl pressures Judith to marry the disagreeable Mr. Massingham by offering to settle the debt and provide her with a dowry; she declines.
Robert Barnabas, son of the smuggling ring leader and a former medical student, professes his love for Judith during secret visits. Motivated by her influence, he decides to leave smuggling behind and resume his medical education.
Following Jonathan’s death and the militia uncovering Judith’s involvement with smugglers, she escapes to London accompanied by Evergreen, an orphaned gypsy girl under her care. They become ensnared in Mrs. Ware’s 'academy,' which operates as an elite brothel disguised as a finishing school. Barnabas rescues Judith, but she is subsequently captured by Massingham and imprisoned in a lunatic asylum under severe conditions for several months.
Emerging mentally fragile and homeless, Judith is forced to beg on London’s streets until Miss Westmoreland, a kind-hearted Christian woman, takes her in. As Judith recuperates, Miss Westmoreland initiates plans for an orphanage and hospital dedicated to abandoned children. They secure financial backing and search for a physician; Dr. Robert Barnabas applies for the position.
Judith reunites with Barnabas; they marry and return to Essex. The dispute over the will concludes favorably for Judith, granting her ownership of the farm.
Characters in "Judith"
Judith Mortimer: A determined nineteen-year-old striving to defend her home against unscrupulous family members.
Jonathan Mortimer: Judith’s infirm father who prioritizes academic pursuits over managing the family farm.
Robert Barnabas: Former smuggler turned aspiring physician deeply devoted to Judith.
Francis Mortimer: Judith’s cousin and childhood love interest.
Evergreen: An orphaned gypsy girl cared for by Judith.
Mr. Massingham: An older gentleman applying financial pressure on Judith to secure marriage.
Miss Westmoreland: A compassionate Christian woman who rescues Judith from destitution.
Major themes
Judith delves into the challenges women face within a patriarchal social structure. The heroine’s resistance to conform provokes opposition from those upholding strict societal conventions.
Set against the backdrop of late eighteenth-century London, the narrative reveals the harsh conditions endured by society’s marginalized and critiques religious hypocrisy of the period. For instance, Mr. Carteret, the local vicar, attempts to send Evergreen to a workhouse, exposing prevalent societal biases against vulnerable groups.
Literary significance & criticism
Literary critic Gina McDonald observes that Cleeve merges elements of historical romance with a strong social awareness, addressing themes such as social justice, national identity, and individual accountability.
Release details
- 1978, United Kingdom, Cassell, Hardcover
- 1978, United States, Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Hardcover
- 1979, United Kingdom, Hodder & Stoughton Ltd., Paperback edition
- 1979, United States, Berkley Publishing Corporation, Paperback edition