The Red Lily

<p><em>The Red Lily</em> (original title: <em>Le Lys Rouge</em>) 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.</p><p>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.</p><p><em>The Red Lily</em> 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.</p>