1889 The Billow & The Rock - Harriet Martineau(E. J. Wheeler Illust) Routle

1889 The Billow & The Rock - Harriet Martineau(E. J. Wheeler Illust) Routle. Dispatched with Royal Mail 2nd Class. Good for age. 

**"The Billow and the Rock"** is a novel by **Harriet Martineau**, first published in 1846. Martineau was a prominent British social theorist, writer, and advocate for women's rights, often considered one of the first female sociologists. Her work often addressed social issues, including political economy, education, and the condition of women.

### Overview:
"The Billow and the Rock" is a historical novel that delves into themes of survival, resilience, and personal strength. The story is set against the backdrop of the **Napoleonic Wars** and explores the struggles of a solitary woman who faces both physical and emotional challenges.

### Plot Summary:
The novel follows the story of **Isabel Leslie**, a woman who lives in the remote Scottish Highlands during the early 19th century. After the death of her husband, Isabel chooses to remain on the small island of **Inch Orran**, isolated and alone, rather than return to the mainland. The island is often battered by the elements, symbolized by the "billow" (waves) in the title, representing the external challenges she faces, while the "rock" symbolizes her inner strength and resolve.

Isabel's solitude is interrupted when she discovers a mysterious man who has washed ashore on the island. The arrival of this man brings about a series of events that test Isabel's courage, resourcefulness, and moral principles. Throughout the novel, Martineau explores Isabel’s inner life, including her thoughts on independence, duty, and the social roles assigned to women.

### Themes:
- **Female Independence and Strength**: Isabel's decision to live alone on the island is a powerful statement of her independence and resilience. Martineau portrays her as a strong, self-reliant woman who challenges the traditional expectations of women during the period.

- **Survival and Adaptation**: The novel highlights the theme of survival, both in the literal sense of Isabel's ability to live on a remote island and in the metaphorical sense of her emotional and psychological resilience in the face of adversity.

- **Isolation and Society**: The novel explores the tension between isolation and society, with Isabel's solitary life serving as a contrast to the social norms of the time. Martineau uses this setting to question the roles and expectations placed on women by society.

- **Moral and Ethical Questions**: As Isabel interacts with the man who arrives on the island, the story delves into moral and ethical questions about trust, duty, and human relationships.

### Significance:
"The Billow and the Rock" is significant for its portrayal of a strong female protagonist who defies the conventional roles of women in the 19th century. Harriet Martineau was a pioneering feminist thinker, and this novel reflects her broader concerns with women's autonomy, social justice, and the critique of societal norms.

Although not as widely known as some of Martineau's other works, such as her writings on political economy or her autobiographical "Life in the Sickroom," "The Billow and the Rock" remains an important work for its exploration of themes related to female independence and resilience. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of life in the Scottish Highlands and a compelling narrative of personal strength in the face of adversity.