The Doctor's Wife

The narrative centers on Isabel Sleaford, a woman married to a devoted but dull physician. Her contentment is disrupted when she encounters a literary figure who matches her intellectual interests. As Isabel navigates the complexities of her emotions and desires, the story explores her journey toward maturity, paralleling the dramatic elements found in her beloved literature. First published in 1864, this reimagining of Madame Bovary employs a layered storytelling approach, blending themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery.