Orphaned and in a vulnerable social position, Diana Warwick decides to enter a marriage to protect herself from unwanted advances and unfair living conditions. After marrying a smart but manipulative politician, Diana quickly regrets her decision. Charming and intelligent, yet impulsive, Diana manages her miserable marriage by spending time with others, paying little mind to the social consequences it may warrant. After indiscreetly traveling with another man, her husband files for divorce and accuses Diana of infidelity, shocking the London high society. However, the aristocrats are even more scandalized after Diana accidently lets a political secret slip. As a victim of social ruin, Diana is given little choice but to leave the country in the hopes of a fresh start, though she does not want to leave her home. After her friend encourages to her to fight against the judgement and stand up for herself, Diana goes to court, prepared to establish her innocence and face her ex-husband.

With sophisticated prose and strong, plausible characters, Diana of the Crossways by George Meredith is smart and riveting. Based on true events, Diana of the Crossways promotes themes of feminism and examines the different implications of sex and marriage between genders. Described to be abstract and rich with sensory detail, Meredith’s prose is exemplary and delicately portrays a charming woman’s struggle to overcome the scandals she becomes involved in. Though first published in 1885, this compelling drama makes observations of society and politics that remains relevant even centuries later. This timeless commentary simultaneously provides a unique perspective of the Victorian era, garnering an insatiable fascination with this bold story.

This edition of Diana of the Crossways by George Meredith features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring this Victorian drama to modern standards while preserving the original mastery of George Meredith’s work.

Diana of the Crossways - pokkari, Englanti, 2021