The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 2 of 5)

by Fanny Burney

"The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 2 of 5)" by Fanny Burney is a novel published in 1814. Set during the 1790s Terror, it follows a mysterious woman who arrives in England refusing to reveal her identity. As she struggles to support herself independently, she faces society's harsh barriers against women seeking economic freedom. Moving from musician to milliner to seamstress, she descends through increasingly precarious positions while the wealthy exploit her labor. Her story exposes the tyrannical control the rich hold over the poor and the impossible difficulties confronting friendless women.