Masquerade
by Sondra Luger
Gotham Books


"Darling, you are young and beautiful, but men do not rush to acquire used merchandise and beauty, alas, fades with time."

Julia Ann Geffen is married to Stephen, Lord Langley, who is ten years older than her. They live in London and have been married for five years. Despite Stephen's high-paying job at the bank, Julia is unhappy with their marriage due to his unfaithfulness. She wants a divorce, but Stephen is unwilling to agree due to fear of public embarrassment. Julia's friends and family advise her to stay in the marriage because otherwise, she would have to return to her parents' home. They also suggest that she find a way to make Stephen stop cheating and make him jealous. Julia tries these strategies but remains unsatisfied. She is now looking for a way to end the marriage without tarnishing Stephen's reputation.

In her literary oeuvre, Luger delves into the theme of infidelity and its ramifications. The author carefully scrutinizes the repercussions of infidelity on the aggrieved partners, who experience emotional distress and a strong desire to extricate themselves from this distressing situation. Luger astutely highlights the disparity in societal attitudes towards infidelity, noting the prevailing acceptance of a man's infidelity contrasted with the condemnation of a woman's infidelity, thus exposing a pronounced double standard. Furthermore, the author delves into the egocentricity of unfaithful men, who prioritize their pleasure without regard for their partners' emotions. Each character is distinctly delineated, with the dialogue providing valuable insight into their individualities. For instance, Julia emerges as a resolute character striving to reclaim her autonomy and pursue her happiness. This expertly crafted narrative will undoubtedly resonate with readers, offering a profound message centered on the pursuit of happiness.

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