In this insightful social commentary set in the interwar years of England, the novel explores the dynamics of a mismatched marriage between Imogen Gresham, a beautiful, innocent woman, and her husband Evelyn, a charming but cruel man. The narrative delves into the emotional and psychological impact of their relationship, particularly as it deteriorates under the strain of Evelyn's infidelity and emotional abuse. The arrival of a seemingly unremarkable governess, who is likened to a tortoise, sets the stage for a subtle yet profound upheaval within the household, challenging the established social order and the characters' understanding of success and happiness.

The 2235th greatest book of all time