Diana of the Crossways (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Published in 1885 and immediately popular, Diana of the Crossways was Meredith’s first successful novel.  It tells the story of a beautiful, witty, and headstrong Irish woman, Diana, who is trapped in an unhappy and loveless marriage.  Fashionable London is scandalized when Diana leaves her husband for another man, is accused of adultery, and becomes enmeshed in the political and social issues of the day.