Cruel As The Grave (eBook)

Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth (1819–1899), commonly known as E.D.E.N. Southworth, was a distinguished American novelist of the 19th century. Her literary career began after the desertion of her husband, leaving her with the responsibility of supporting her family. This experience deeply influenced her writings, which frequently highlighted the themes of female independence and resilience. Southworth was an incredibly prolific writer, producing over sixty novels during her career. 'Cruel As The Grave' is among her notable works that garnered popularity during her lifetime. She has been associated with the sentimental literary movement, a style that focuses on emotional tales of moral dilemmas and exaggerated sentiment, which was popular in her era among female readers. Southworth's works often featured strong female protagonists who overcame adversity, a reflection of her own personal challenges as a single mother and professional writer. Some of her other well-known novels include 'The Hidden Hand' and 'Ishmael; Or, In the Depths.' Her books were initially serialized in periodicals like the 'Saturday Evening Post' and later published in book form, making her one of the most widely read authors of her time. Southworth's contributions to American literature and her role in shaping early feminist narratives have been recognized by scholars and continue to be the subject of literary studies today.