Emmeline, the Orphan of the Castle

'Emmeline, The Orphan of the Castle' is a groundbreaking 18th-century novel by Charlotte Smith. It's a Cinderella story that subverts traditional societal expectations, as the heroine ends up wealthy and happy without a husband. The novel is also a critique of the traditional marriage arrangements of the time, which left women with little agency. Set in Wales, the story revolves around Emmeline, an illegitimate orphan raised by servants who catches the eye of Lord Montreville's son. Emmeline's journey towards independence and self-discovery challenges the social norms of her time, making for a captivating and thought-provoking read.