This magnificently written novel is imbued with subtle yet profound psychological insights of a calibre that arguably rivals Tolstoy's. Within, Phillipe Marcenat, an erudite yet conventional industrialist from central France, falls madly in love with and marries the beautiful but unreliable Odile - despite his family's disapproval. Soon, Phillipe's possessiveness and jealousy drive her away. Brokenhearted, Phillipe then marries the devoted and sincere...