The French Lieutenant’s Woman is the first book I read from John Fowles. I think it will remain as the single book for a long time. Fowles, an extraordinary author of his time, differs from other writers with his narrative techniques. If you like it, you like it, but if you don’t, you may end up with mixed feelings.
The French Lieutenant’s Woman is an exciting love story, as well as a unique book about the Victorian era. You will read about many things, from the relationships of women and men to their worldviews. You will want to examine this period a little more. The characters in the book are very well developed and attractive. You will instantly love them. You may be sure that even if you get angry at the characters, you’ll still end up admiring and understanding them.
The French Lieutenant’s Woman and the narrator
So why didn’t I like this book as much as I want to? I think because the narration is everything in fiction. I found it unpleasant of Fowles including himself in the novel saying; “Why does this character do that now? Because he is blah blah…” This narrative created a sense of watching a documentary rather than reading a novel for me.
However, I want to read a novel and don’t want to hear why the author created this character the way he did. At least, not while reading the book! Although I realised what he wanted to do after a while, I would prefer the author to remain an omniscient narrator only, not actually playing God. Oh, and the book has three endings, you pick what you like and get over it.
Let me tell you, I don’t like how Fowles wrote this book, but I have to say that many readers enjoyed this. Most of them told me they loved the movie better, but that’s not the point. Anyways! This book is in many of the essential reading lists and can add a lot to your reading experience. I’d say take a look and experience a different narrative. See if you like it or not. Happy reading!
About the book: The French Lieutenant’s Woman
Widely acclaimed since publication, John Fowles’ most beloved novel is the ultimate epic historical romance.
Charles Smithson, a respectable engaged man, meets Sarah Woodruff as she stands on the Cobb at Lyme Regis, staring out to sea. Charles falls in love, but Sarah is a disgraced woman, and their romance will defy all the stifling conventions of the Victorian age.
About the author: John Fowles
John Fowles was born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on March 31, 1926. He attended Bedford School (1940–1944) and then served nearly two years in the Royal Marines. After his four years at Oxford (New College), where he read in French and received a B. A. (Honors) in 1950, Fowles turned away from his conservative upper-middle-class background toward a new freedom and a trying decade of apprenticeship as a writer. Read the rest of the article here.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
