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In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," John Fowles masterfully plunges readers into 19th century Victorian England, exploring social customs, sexual taboos, and moral attitudes through the characters of Charles Smithson and Sarah Woodruff. The novel is a blend of historical dramatic fiction set in the late 19th century in England, written with touches of 20th-century metafiction, where the author cleverly critiques his Victorian protagonists from a modern perspective. Fowles presents a complex narrative with multiple possible endings, challenging the reader's perception of free will, evolution, and societal norms.

The story follows Charles Smithson, a Victorian gentleman engaged to Ernestina, who becomes fascinated with Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious woman rumored to be the spurned ex-mistress of a French naval officer. Through Fowles' unique narrative style, which combines elements of the Victorian era with 20th-century commentary, readers are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and personal identity, all set against the backdrop of a changing world and conflicting values.

If you liked The French Lieutenant's Woman, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Magus by John Fowles
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    The Magus by John Fowles is a complex and mysterious novel set in Greece, following the story of Nicholas Urfe, a self-absorbed Englishman who takes a teaching position on a Greek island. Nicholas finds himself entangled in a series of mind games and deceit orchestrated by the eccentric millionaire Maurice Conchis. The plot twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, questioning themes of freedom, power, knowledge, and love. The writing style is described as beautifully written, suspenseful, and engaging, with a mix of psychological mind games and supernatural events that keep the reader intrigued.

    I was born in 1927, the only child of middle-class parents, both English, and themselves born in the grotesquely elongated shadow, which they never rose sufficiently above history to leave, of that mo...

  2. #2

    The Collector by John Fowles
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    'The Collector' by John Fowles is a dark psychological thriller that tells the story of Frederick, a withdrawn and unloved man who collects butterflies and becomes fixated on an art student named Miranda. After winning a lottery, Frederick kidnaps Miranda and keeps her captive in the basement of his house, hoping for their love to blossom in isolation. The narrative alternates between Frederick's perspective, justifying his actions, and Miranda's point of view as she tries to escape from her captor's clutches.

    The book explores themes of obsession, captivity, and the complexity of human relationships. It delves into the minds of both the kidnapper and the victim, offering a chilling portrayal of psychological manipulation and the blurred lines between love and control. The slow-building tension and the shift in narrative perspectives create a sense of dread and unease, making 'The Collector' a compelling and disturbing read.

    WHEN she was home from her boarding-school I used to see her almost every day sometimes, because their house was right opposite the Town Hall Annexe. She and her younger sister used to go in and out a...

  3. #3

    City of Glass - The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster
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    City of Glass is a postmodern mystery novel that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, identity and language. The protagonist, Daniel Quinn, is a mystery writer who takes on the role of a detective in a surreal investigation. As Quinn delves deeper into the case, following a man named Peter Stillman, he becomes entangled in a complex web of identities and narratives, questioning the nature of self and storytelling. The book's writing style combines elements of classic detective fiction with postmodernist themes, creating a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking.

    IT was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night, and the voice on the other end asking for someone he was not. Much later, when he was able to think about...

  4. #4

    Lost in the Funhouse by John Barth
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    'Lost in the Funhouse' by John Barth is a collection of metafictional short stories that push the boundaries of postmodern literature. The stories range from clever language games to deep explorations of life, growth, and storytelling. The book delves into themes of self-reflexivity, nested narratives, and the process of creating stories, providing a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

    Short fiction is not my long suit. Writers tend by temperament to be either sprinters or marathoners, and I learned early that the long haul was my stride. The form of the modern short story—as define...

  5. #5

    Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
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    In "Far From the Madding Crowd," Thomas Hardy tells the story of Bathsheba Everdene, a young woman navigating a man's world in 18th-19th century rural England. The novel explores themes of love, independence, and mistakes, set against the backdrop of the natural environment that plays a significant role in the plot. Hardy's writing style is described as rich, fresh, and filled with detailed descriptions of the English countryside and its characters.

    When Farmer Oak smiled, the corners of his mouth spread till they were within an unimportant distance of his ears, his eyes were reduced to chinks, and diverging wrinkles appeared round them, extendin...

  6. #6

    The Great Stink by Clare Clark
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    The Great Stink by Clare Clark is a historical novel set in the sewers of Victorian London, following the intertwined stories of William May, a PTSD-suffering veteran of the Crimean War, and Tom, a tosher who collects rats from the sewers. The book delves into the dark and disturbing aspects of London's underbelly, exploring themes of corruption, murder, and the harsh realities of the era. Clark's writing style is described as atmospheric, detailed, and evocative, bringing the historical setting to life with vivid descriptions and meticulous research.

    Where the channel snaked to the right it was no longer possible to stand upright, despite the abrupt drop in the gradient. The crown of William's hat grazed the slimed roof as he stooped, holding his ...

  7. #7

    London Labour and the London Poor by Victor E. Neuburg, Henry Mayhew
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    'Lodon Labour and the London Poor' by Victor E. Neuburg and Henry Mayhew is a detailed exploration of the social events and extreme poverty experienced in 19th century England. The book provides firsthand accounts, in-depth descriptions, and interviews with individuals from various occupations, shedding light on the lives of the lower class in Victorian London. Mayhew's writing style is described as descriptive and keen, offering a window back in time to a period filled with sadness, suffering, and hardship.

    Mayhew's work is commended for being a real eye-opener, providing a comprehensive look at the different facets of characters encountered in 19th century London, from deserving cripples to shiftless beggars. The book is considered an important resource for writers and those interested in British history, offering a detailed and non-judgmental portrayal of life in Victorian London.

    But all of them being dead except Henry, who in his later years moved in rather a small circle, it was but natural that the world should regard the literary Mayhews as extinct. If the author of London...

  8. #8

    Possession by A.S. Byatt
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    Possession by A.S. Byatt is a novel that intricately weaves together the stories of two contemporary literary scholars who uncover a hidden love affair between two Victorian poets. Through letters, journals, and poems, the scholars delve into the mystery of the poets' relationship, while also reflecting on their own connections. The book combines elements of romance, academia, and literary criticism, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of passion, possession, and the power of language. Byatt's writing style is described as rich, textured, and engaging, with the inclusion of poetry and multiple writing forms adding depth to the storytelling.

    If you fight or question she will toss you on the thorns and it will go ill with you before you come out of there. If she will take you, you will be set down in a bare heath, on a great stone, which i...

  9. #9

    The Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears
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    'The Dream of Scipio' by Iain Pears is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of three men living in different eras in Provence, France. The book explores themes of love, faith, power, and moral dilemmas as the protagonists navigate through significant historical events such as the fall of the Roman Empire, the Black Plague, and the Nazi invasion of France. Pears' writing style is described as intellectual, elegant, and philosophical, with a deep emotional impact on the reader.

    JULIEN BARNEUVE died at 3:28 on the afternoon of August 18, 1943. It had taken him twenty-three minutes exactly to die, the time between the fire starting and his last breath being sucked into his sco...

  10. #10

    The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding
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    Tom Jones, a foundling raised by Squire Allworthy, is the comical history of a young man who embarks on a journey of love and self-discovery. Throughout the novel's nine hundred pages, Tom's pursuit of his true love, Sophia Western, is hindered by societal disapproval and various obstacles thrown in his path. The story not only delves into Tom's adventures but also explores themes of avarice, hypocrisy, deceit, and the conflicting allegiances of Eighteenth-century England. The writing style is described as humorous, witty, and engaging, with a narrative that offers social commentary while shedding light on the virtues and vices of its characters.

    An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money. In t...

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