Lady Susan

Inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses and written in a similar epistolary form, Lady Susan was one of Austen's earliest finished works. In it she reveals all the caustic wit and brilliant social satire of her later novels. The victim of a vicious scandal, impoverished Lady Susan is obliged to take up residence with her brother-in-law and his family. Refusing to resign herself to the role of placid house guest, she engineers to baffle her hosts, seducing her sister-in-law's brother in the process by means of her impeccable gentility and some well-judged flirtation. Yet before her victory is complete, she must first contend with the untimely reappearance of a former lover.