The novel explores the theme of divorce and its consequences on individuals and society. The story revolves around a married couple who decide to separate due to incompatibility and differing values. The husband, a wealthy businessman, prioritizes material success over emotional connection, while the wife seeks personal fulfillment and intellectual stimulation. As they navigate their new lives apart, they must confront the repercussions of their decision on their relationships with friends, family, and themselves. Through the characters' experiences, the novel examines the social stigma surrounding divorce, the limitations imposed on women by societal expectations, and the struggle for individual identity within marriage.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1876 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy