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Classic Literature

Esmeralda: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

Esmeralda: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

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AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Esmeralda is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Burnett, Frances Hodgson (1849–1924).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Esmeralda" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a novel written during the late 19th century, reflecting the social dynamics and cultural observations of the time. The story centers around the life of a young American girl, Esmeralda, who finds herself caught between her humble rural beginnings in North Carolina and the affluent and often superficial world of Paris society. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional struggles that accompany socioeconomic transitions. The narrative follows Esmeralda and her family as they navigate their newfound wealth after discovering iron on their land, leading to a drastic change in their lifestyle. While her mother is eager to assimilate into the Parisian elite, Esmeralda feels out of place and longs for her simpler past. Her relationship with a mountain boy named Wash, whom she was to marry, brings additional complexity to her life as her mother's ambitions threaten their connection. Through her interactions with the couple, her mentor Clélie, and her father, the story reveals Esmeralda's internal conflict—ultimately, she must choose between familial loyalty and her feelings for Wash as she seeks genuine happiness in a world where she often feels like an outsider. The resolution demonstrates the power of love and choice as Esmeralda embraces her past while looking toward a hopeful future with Wash.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Esmeralda
  • Author credits: Burnett, Frances Hodgson (1849–1924)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Manners and customs -- Fiction

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: American Literature
  • Category: Novels

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

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