The French Lieutenant’s Woman (Vintage Classics)

“The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is a novel written by British author John Fowles. The book was first published in 1969 and is set in the 19th century in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, England. The novel is known for its unique narrative structure, blending a traditional Victorian romance with a postmodern exploration of storytelling.

The story revolves around Charles Smithson, a Victorian gentleman engaged to Ernestina Freeman. Charles becomes intrigued by Sarah Woodruff, also known as “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” who is considered an enigmatic and scandalous figure in the town. Sarah was abandoned by her lover, a French lieutenant, and now stands at the edge of the sea, staring out as if waiting for his return.

As Charles becomes increasingly fascinated with Sarah, the novel explores themes of social conventions, morality, and the constraints of Victorian society. Fowles also incorporates a modern narrator who comments on and analyzes the characters and events, creating a metafictional layer that challenges traditional storytelling norms.

“The French Lieutenant’s Woman” was well-received for its inventive narrative and its examination of the Victorian era’s social and cultural mores. The novel was later adapted into a successful film in 1981, starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons.

The book is considered a classic in contemporary literature, both for its engaging story and its experimental narrative techniques that offer readers a thought-provoking exploration of love, desire, and societal expectations.