Šedá žena – Gaskellová Elizabeth (2024)

Let us hold our breath as we follow the life journey of Anna, the beautiful daughter of a miller on the German river Neckar. A kind and well-behaved girl, she sets off at the invitation of her friend to Karlsruhe, to the household of her widowed mother. The mother tries to maintain her status in high society, which in the late 18th century is inseparably linked to salons. It is during one such occasion that Anna is introduced to the French nobleman Mr. de la Tourelle, who, besides his obvious wealth, stands out for his refined, albeit somewhat affected behavior and dazzling charm. The Frenchman, known as the 'Schöne Müllerin' in Anna's neighborhood, is so enchanted that he immediately begins to court her. The shy and inexperienced Anna is flattered by the attention of such an exceptional man at first, although something in his exaggerated attentiveness seems to warn her. However, in a society bound by conventions, it is enough that she does not explicitly reject his advances right from the start – and soon she finds herself by his side as a newlywed. Over time, Mr. de la Tourelle reveals, in unguarded moments, that behind his handsome, almost effeminate facade lies a hard man and a relentless predator who, as the author aptly writes, intends to please his new wife only in ways that please him. From her family, she...