"Backwater" is the second volume of Dorothy Richardson's groundbreaking "Pilgrimage" series, which explores the life of Miriam Henderson, a character inspired by the author's own experiences. Set against the backdrop of a girls' school in North London, the narrative delves into Miriam's struggles with societal expectations surrounding marriage, religion, and happiness, as she grapples with her identity and the constraints placed upon women. Richardson's innovative use of "interior monologue" captures the complexity of female experience, making her work a vital part of feminist literature.