The Red Lily (original title: Le Lys Rouge) is a novel by Anatole France, first published in 1894. Set in the sophisticated and artistic circles of Paris and Italy, the novel explores themes of love, passion, and societal constraints.
The story follows Thérèse Martin-Bellême, a beautiful and cultured woman trapped in a loveless marriage. She embarks on a passionate affair with Robert Le Ménil, a young and idealistic man. Their romance is intense but fraught with difficulties, as they navigate the complexities of love, jealousy, and the expectations of their social class.
As the affair progresses, Thérèse and Robert grapple with the conflicts between personal desire and societal norms. The novel delves into the emotional and psychological intricacies of their relationship, offering a poignant commentary on the nature of love and the constraints imposed by society.
The Red Lily is celebrated for its elegant prose, rich character development, and introspective exploration of human emotions. Anatole France's ability to capture the nuances of love and the tensions between individual desires and social expectations makes this novel a notable work in his literary canon.
