Ishmael Or, In the Depths by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth is a gripping tale centered around an orphan protagonist who rises from poverty through sheer ambition and determination. Set in 19th-century America, the novel delves into the harsh realities of social injustice and the struggles of a self-made man. Ishmael, the main character, faces numerous obstacles as he pursues a career in the legal profession, driven by a deep sense of moral duty and the desire for redemption. The novel explores the complexities of family secrets and the sacrifices Ishmael must make to achieve his goals. Southworth weaves a narrative that is both a reflection of the era's societal challenges and a timeless story of perseverance. Through Ishmael’s journey, the novel underscores the themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for justice, making it a powerful and enduring piece of American literature.
Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth (December 26, 1819 - June 30, 1899) was an American novelist who wrote over 60 books in the late nineteenth century. She was the most popular American novelist of her day. In her works, her heroines frequently challenge modern ideas of Victorian feminine domesticity by demonstrating that virtue is naturally coupled with wit, adventure, and rebellion to fix any terrible situation. Though The Hidden Hand (1859) was her most popular novel, Southworth preferred Ishmael (1876). Emma Nevitte was born on December 26, 1819, in Washington, D.C., to Susannah Wailes and Charles LeCompte Nevitte, a trader from Virginia. Her father died in 1824, and she was given the name Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte at his final wish. She attended a school run by her stepfather, Joshua L. Henshaw. She later described her youth as lonely, with her best times spent exploring Maryland's Tidewater region on horseback. During such rides, she developed a deep interest in the area's history and mythology. After attending her stepfather's school, she finished her secondary education at the age of 15 in 1835.
