The Constant Nymph (Warbler Classics Annotated Edition)

Book excerpt: The Constant Nymph chronicles the complicated relationships within two families, primarily focusing on the character of Lewis Dodd, a charismatic, talented composer, and Tessa Sanger, the teenage daughter of his mentor, whose passionate love defies societal norms. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps and the bustling city of London, the narrative follows the lives of both the Dodd family and members of the Sanger household. The story takes a harrowing turn when the deaths of key figures destabilize the fragile equilibrium within each family. Central to the novel is the unquenchable love that Tessa Sanger harbors for Lewis. She is a vibrant and fervent young woman deeply enamored with him, despite the insurmountable barriers posed by their age difference and Lewis's marriage to her cousin. Despite these obstacles, Tessa's love for Lewis persists, and her emotions drive much of the story's tension and conflict. The Constant Nymph explores themes of love, obsession, artistic pursuit, and sacrifice, and delves into the enigma of human emotions and the complexities of unfulfilled desire. The novel has garnered praised for its vivid characters and emotional depth and has inspired various adaptations across different media over the years, including a 1943 film adaptation starring Charles Boyer and Joan Fontaine, whose performance as Tess earned her an Academy Award nomination. This Warbler Classics edition includes a biographical timeline.