Silas Marner

By George Eliot

Silas Marner is a lonely and bitter country weaver.  He left his hometown after being falsely accused of theft, and losing his fiancee to the real thief.  Fifteen years later, he is robbed of his life savings.  Thankfully, an orphan comes into his life that saves him from absolute defeat.

It's a short story, which is good since the writing style is old-fashioned and difficult to read.  Still, it's a good story.  I felt so sorry for Silas.  He trusted his best friend, who repaid Silas by destroying his reputation and marrying his fiancee.  Then, when Silas became obsessed with counting his money, it was mysteriously stolen from him.  So when Eppie comes into his life, I was afraid someone would take her away and he would be alone again.  I was afraid he wouldn't be able to go on.  And I was afraid that I couldn't take it if he was knocked down again.