The novel revolves around the complex emotional dilemmas of its protagonist, a young woman torn between the expectations of society and her own desires. She is engaged to a kind but unexciting man, yet she yearns for the excitement and passion offered by another, more volatile suitor. Her internal struggle is mirrored by the romantic entanglements of her cousin and his wife, who face their own set of social and financial challenges. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the narrative delves into themes of love, marriage, wealth, and the constraints imposed on women by societal norms, as the characters navigate the intricate web of their relationships and seek to reconcile their actions with their consciences.

The 6568th greatest book of all time