'Backwater (Pilgrimage, Vol. 2)' Summary

Miriam, a young woman who is both rebellious and vulnerable, takes on a teaching position at a girls' school in North London. The school environment, with its rigid rules and emphasis on conformity, clashes with Miriam's own independent spirit. She struggles to reconcile the expectations of her family and society with her own desires. Her relationships with her fellow teachers, students, and family members are fraught with tension, highlighting the complexities of human connection. She finds herself questioning conventional societal norms, particularly regarding marriage and traditional roles for women. Miriam grapples with questions of faith and spirituality, searching for meaning and purpose in a world that often feels disorienting and meaningless. The novel is told through Miriam's inner thoughts and feelings, reflecting the stream of consciousness style that Richardson pioneered. Through her introspective journey, Miriam navigates the complexities of self-discovery, social expectations, and the search for personal fulfillment.