Summary of The French Lieutenant’s Woman
“The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is set in 1867 in Lyme Regis, on the southern English coast of Dorset. The novel centres on Sarah Woodruff, a woman disgraced after being abandoned by a French naval officer who returned to France. One day, Charles Smithson, a gentleman engaged to the wealthy Ernestina Freeman, notices Sarah standing alone on the shore, staring out to sea. Intrigued, he seeks her out, and after hearing her story, finds himself drawn to her. Torn between duty and desire, Charles must choose whether to honour his engagement to Ernestina or follow his passion for Sarah.
Reasons to read The French Lieutenant’s Woman
“The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is a postmodern, self-reflective novel, celebrated for its innovative structure with three alternative endings, and blending the style of Victorian romance with modern narrative experimentation. The book became a bestseller and, in 2005, was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 best English-language novels since 1923. It was adapted into a film in 1981, starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons. Other notable works by English author John Fowles include “The Collector” and “The Magus”.
Setting: Lyme Regis, Dorset (England, UK)
Original title: The French Lieutenant’s Woman
Year of publication: 1969
Nr of pages: 467
