Felix Holt, the Radical (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Published in 1866, Eliot's novel focuses on politics and romance in the small English town of Treby Magna.  A wealthy young nobleman, Harold Transome, stands for Parliament as a “Radical.”  Felix Holt, idealistic but poor, opposes him.  Their political race mirrors the love triangle that includes the beautiful but vain Esther Lyon, who finds herself drawn to the impoverished Holt despite herself.