The Red and the Black by Stendhal
Stendhal's books examine a wide range of societal themes, including politics, the church, French rural life, the position of women, and socioeconomic class. Many popular writers of the time tackled these issues, but Stendhal stands out by focusing on the psyche of his heroes. As a result, many regard him to be the father of the psychological novel.
The Red and the Black follows the life of Julien Sorel, a young man from humble beginnings who is attempting to climb above his circumstances. He has lofty ambitions but quickly realizes that the only way to rise through the social levels is to embrace the hypocrisy that pervades the materialistic elite. However, in his efforts to establish himself, he ends up as a pawn in the hands of the powerful persons around him. This sarcastic portrait of French society has been described as a novel ahead of its time, and it should be added to your TBR pile.
Stendhal was an outspoken opponent of women's social and emotional enslavement, and it is clear from his novels that he was an author with true empathy for women. The Red and the Black is a severe critique of women's subordination in society, and feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir praised Stendhal in her work, The Second Sex (above).
Link to buy: https://bom.so/RhgFJh
