"The French Lieutenant's Woman"

"The French Lieutenant's Woman" is a novel by John Fowles, set in Victorian England. It tells the story of Charles Smithson, a young Englishman engaged to a respectable woman, who becomes fascinated by Sarah Woodruff, an enigmatic woman shunned by society. The book explores themes of love, freedom, and social constraints, while also questioning traditional narrative forms with multiple endings. It reflects on the tension between individual desires and societal expectations, making it a significant commentary on the nature of choice and the complexities of human relationships. The novel is known for its rich character development and philosophical depth.