Plot summary, “The French Lieutenant's Woman” by John Fowles in 5 Minutes - Book Review

Описание: John Fowles’s The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1969) is a postmodern historical novel set in mid-18th century England. The story follows Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious outcast known as “Tragedy” or “The French Lieutenant’s Whore,” who was abandoned by a French officer, Varguennes, in the seaside town of Lyme Regis. When Charles Smithson, a gentleman engaged to Ernestina Freeman, becomes intrigued by Sarah, their secret meetings evolve into a forbidden emotional and romantic connection. As Charles’s social standing and inheritance come under threat, his growing feelings for Sarah lead to moral and personal turmoil. The novel is distinctive for its three alternative endings, where Fowles explores themes of free will, authorial control, and the nature of fiction itself. With its metafictional narration, self-awareness, and literary innovation, The French Lieutenant’s Woman remains a landmark in postmodern literature and was later adapted into a celebrated 1981 film.