Liza of Lambeth

Set in a working-class district of London, the novel follows the life of Liza Kemp, an 18-year-old factory worker, as she navigates her challenging existence with her aging mother. Maugham's debut work poignantly explores themes of youth, love, and the harsh realities of life in a gritty urban environment. The story captures the essence of Liza's brief life, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of the lower class in late 19th-century England.