The novel revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security and social status. She uses her wit and charm to manipulate him into giving her everything she wants, while pretending to be the devoted wife he desires. As time passes, she becomes increasingly bored with her life and begins to seek excitement through affairs and other vices.
By Guy De Maupassant · First published 1881 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Romance