Madame de Mauves

Set in 19th-century Paris, the novel explores the complexities of marriage and societal expectations through the life of a disenchanted woman, Madame de Mauves. As she navigates her unfulfilling marriage to a wealthy but indifferent husband, her longing for love and connection leads her to contemplate an affair. Henry James delves into themes of desire, isolation, and the constraints of social norms, offering a poignant reflection on the inner lives of women in a restrictive society.