The French Lieutenant's Woman
by John Fowles
Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons starred in the 1981 film adaptation of John Fowles’s novel. Similar to her film version of The Bridges of Madison County, the film flashes back and forth between the past and the present. Both original novels only contain the past segments, so if you particularly like the modern parts of the movie, you probably won’t like the book. Although the novel was written in 1969, Fowles chose to flawlessly imitate 19th century language. I was shocked when I checked the copyright date, that’s how authentic it is.
The story is one of forbidden and conflicted love. A married man finds temptation with the titular character. Now, I’ve read my share of Dickens and the Brontes, but I found this book particularly dry and hard to get through. Unless you’re a die-hard Victorian fan and are well versed in the lilt and language, you might want to skip this one.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of the 1981 film adaptation here!
The story is one of forbidden and conflicted love. A married man finds temptation with the titular character. Now, I’ve read my share of Dickens and the Brontes, but I found this book particularly dry and hard to get through. Unless you’re a die-hard Victorian fan and are well versed in the lilt and language, you might want to skip this one.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of the 1981 film adaptation here!