Description

The Red Lily (original title: Le Lys Rouge) is a novel by Anatole France, first published in 1894. The novel is set in Paris and Italy and is a romantic and psychological exploration of love, art, and society.

The story follows the passionate affair between Thérèse Martin-Bellême, a beautiful and sophisticated woman trapped in a loveless marriage, and her lover, Robert Le Ménil, a dashing and idealistic young man. As their relationship unfolds, the novel delves into themes of desire, betrayal, and the constraints imposed by societal norms.

The Red Lily is known for its rich descriptions and introspective character development. Anatole France uses the affair as a lens to explore broader questions about the nature of love and the conflict between individual desires and social expectations. The novel's title refers to a symbolic painting that plays a significant role in the narrative, representing the complexities and contradictions of the characters' emotions.