This English fiction presents the story of Mehala a strong-willed woman and starts with a
strange description of the Ray where Mehalah and her frail mother live. With rent day coming
close their fierce landowner Elijah Rebow gives them a visit to remind them that now they
owe their livelihood to him. He attempts to force Mehalah into submission yet she openly
fights him and insists on self-sufficiency and liberty. Mehalah is a major Victorian novel
published in 1880 and is set in the isolated marshes of Mersea and the surrounding area. The
prominent theme of the book is independence and imprisonment. The novel is filled with
incredible imagery and strong characterization. The writing is skillful gripping vibrant and
weirdly funny in places. In addition to the dark main plot there are foolish supporting
characters to deliver comic relief. The story also acts as an interesting account of life at
the time in this part of the country during that period. It sheds light on the poverty
struggles and desolation of the people and landscape.
