Louisa May Alcott wrote this! That's the chief joy of reading it -- it's not your mother's Little Women, that's for sure. The rampant melodrama of it all is pretty fun, but I wouldn't have minded if it were compressed into a shorter space. Maybe cut out a few descriptions of how good and sweet and beautiful the main character is. (Her name is Rosamond Vivian, an absolute Anne Shirley dream of a name.)

Oh, but there is some solid social insight and commentary here! For example, take Rosamond's speech upon hearing the suggestion that her villainous pursuer might tire of the chase and leave her alone:
"You do not know him. He has no pity, and my defiance will but increase the excitement of the pursuit. I am solitary, poor and a woman; he powerful, rich and a man whom all fear. The world which rejects me though I am innocent will welcome him, the guilty, and uphold him. I am helpless and must go my way as best I can, praying that it be a short one." (pg. 152-153)

That's still real. It was written in 1866.