Shirley is a captivating social novel published in 1849 by the renowned English author Charlotte Brontë. Following her acclaimed debut, Jane Eyre, this novel delves into the lives of its characters set against the tumultuous backdrop of Yorkshire during the industrial depression of 1811–1812. As the Luddite uprisings shake the textile industry, Brontë weaves a rich narrative that explores themes of class struggle, gender roles, and resilience. (Summary by Wikipedia)