Mary Barton (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Mary Barton, daughter of a factory worker, is torn between her love for a poor worker and the life of ease offered to her by the son of a wealthy mill owner.  This classic novel of love and redemption, published anonymously in 1848, launched Mrs. Gaskell on her literary career. Also includes four short stories: "My French Master," "The Old Nurse's Story," "Bessy's Troubles at Home," and "Christmas Storms and Sunshine."