Bennett's remarkable 'sermon against parental tyranny' set in the industrial world of early twentieth century England

Against the beautifully evoked backdrop of the Potteries district, the 'Five Towns'--a gossipy community with its prayer meetings, hard physical work, small-minded bigotry and quick condemnation of others--Anna is dominated by her tight-fisted, tyrannical father. She inherits a fortune - with brilliant sympathy, charm and pain, Bennett describes the process by which Anna tries to navigate her way through the world and the emotional and moral challenges she faces.