Women in Love

Women in Love, which was published in 1920, was written by author D.H. Lawrence.

Easton Press editions

  Women in Love - 1988

Franklin Library D. H. Lawrence books

  Women in Love - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1979

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One morning at their father’s Beldover home, Ursula and Gudrun Brangwen are talking about getting married. Gudrun has only recently returned to her hometown after attending art school in London.

Later, the two decide to attend a local wedding, where they are introduced to Gerald Crich and Rupert Birkin for the first time. Birkin is a school inspector with very unorthodox views on life, and Gerald is the successor to the local mining company that serves as Beldover’s primary economic engine.

They initially feel an intense animosity toward one another, yet after an accidental meeting on the route to London, they begin getting along better. Hermione Roddice is an aristocratic lady whom Rupert despises, though he struggles to let go of their lingering affection for one another.

Hermione’s ultimate goal is to marry Birkin and devote her whole life to him. Because of this, Birkin’s developing passion for Ursula becomes complicated, and as a result, Hermione and Ursula become adversaries.

During a weekend gathering at Hermione’s estate, Breadalby, Hermione loses control of her temper and attempts to kill Birkin by striking the back of his skull with a paperweight. After escaping, Birkin believes their relationship has come to an end.

Ursula begins visiting Birkin at his new residence after he relocates to a mill house near Willey Water. Over time, the two begin developing feelings for one another.

The Crich family hosts their yearly public party by the lake one evening, and the Brangwen sisters attend the festivities. There, they run into Gerald and Birkin, and sparks begin to fly romantically.

However, their budding relationships are interrupted by the tragic drowning of Diana Crich, Gerald’s sister, and a young doctor who attempts to save her.

After the tragedy, Birkin becomes ill again, and Gerald goes to check on him. Birkin concludes that he loves Gerald and proposes a solemn oath of lifelong devotion between them. Although Gerald also has feelings for Birkin, he hesitates to agree.

Thomas Crich, Gerald’s father, becomes gravely ill and nears death. Gerald decides to retain Gudrun as an art instructor for his younger sister, Winifred. Gudrun begins visiting their home in Shortlands almost daily to teach Winifred.

As Mr. Crich constructs an artist’s studio for Gudrun, her relationship with Gerald grows stronger. Meanwhile, Birkin becomes frustrated with Ursula’s indecisiveness and decides to travel to the south of France.

After hearing nothing from him for some time, Ursula encounters Birkin one evening while walking past his house. They talk and confess their love for one another.

The following day, Birkin visits Ursula’s home intending to propose. Instead of seeing her directly, he speaks with her father, Tom Brangwen, and asks for permission to marry his daughter. Ursula reacts furiously and rejects him.

Birkin storms off and visits Gerald at Shortlands, where the two wrestle in a manner that is both brutal and suggestive.

Meanwhile, Ursula realizes she is deeply in love with Birkin and wants to transform his passion into one that fully matches hers. Some time later, Birkin surprises Ursula at her school and offers to take her for a drive in his automobile. He presents her with rings, but they argue, and Ursula leaves him on the roadside.

Moments later, she returns to reconcile with him, and the two decide to go into town for tea. That night, they sleep together on the grounds of Sherwood Forest, strengthening the bond between them.

Meanwhile, Gerald struggles with his father’s illness, and Mr. Crich eventually dies. After spending several nights alone, Gerald goes to Gudrun’s home, sneaks into the house, enters her room, and wakes her. He stays through the night while Gudrun watches over him.

Following a heated argument with her father, Ursula decides to move in with Birkin. Soon afterward, the couple marries.

Shortly after the wedding, Gerald suggests that the two couples spend the winter together in Europe. He discusses the trip at length with Ursula and Birkin, hoping it will strengthen his relationship with Gudrun.

Gerald and Gudrun depart first. While staying in London for the night, Gudrun encounters Gerald’s former mistress, Minette Darrington, at the Café Pompadour.

Eventually, Ursula and Birkin join Gerald and Gudrun in Innsbruck, a charming resort town in Austria. At first, everything seems perfect, but tensions soon arise while the group stays at a modest hostel outside the city.

Part of the tension comes from a German artist named Loerke, who develops feelings for Gudrun. Ursula strongly dislikes the cold weather, which eventually causes her and Birkin to leave.

Gerald and Gudrun remain behind, while Loerke continues pursuing Gudrun. One day, during a picnic with Loerke, Gerald rudely interrupts them. Enraged, he throws Loerke to the ground and nearly kills Gudrun by choking her.

As the sun sets, Gerald wanders deeper into the mountains, where he eventually succumbs to the cold. The next morning, a rescue crew brings his lifeless body back to the hostel.

Gudrun sends a telegram to Birkin and Ursula, prompting them to return. The narrative concludes with Birkin telling Ursula that he believes a deep and lasting friendship with Gerald could have existed even while he remained married to her.