The Passionate Friends by H.G. Wells

Told as a memoir, the novel follows Stephen Stratton, a man torn between his love for a married woman and his ambitions for social reform. As he reflects on their past and present relationship, he navigates the constraints of morality, marriage, and societal expectation. The plot unfolds through personal recollection and emotional conflict, with larger themes of idealism and individual choice. It’s both a love story and a philosophical exploration of modern relationships. The tone is introspective, layered with regret and insight.