"Backwater" is the second volume of Dorothy Richardson's groundbreaking "Pilgrimage" series, which explores the life and inner thoughts of Miriam Henderson, a character inspired by the author's own experiences. Set against the backdrop of a girls' school in North London, Miriam grapples with the constraints of societal expectations, delving into profound questions about marriage, religion, and personal happiness. Richardson's innovative use of the "interior monologue" technique offers a unique glimpse into the complexities of female experience, making her work resonate with contemporary discussions on identity and autonomy.