The Inevitable

The Inevitable, written by Louis Couperus in the late 19th century, follows Cornélie de Retz van Loo, a young Dutch divorcee, as she attempts to rebuild her life in Rome. Set against the backdrop of a boarding house, the novel delves into themes of loneliness, societal expectations, and the quest for identity. Cornélie's journey is marked by her relationship with the painter Duco van der Staal and her struggles with financial instability and her past, ultimately leading her to confront her ex-husband in Nice. This work highlights the complexities of man-woman relationships and the social position of divorced women during that era.