"The French Lieutenant's Woman" is a novel by John Fowles, published in 1969. Set in the 1860s, it follows Charles Smithson, a young Englishman who is engaged to Ernestina Freeman. While visiting the coastal town of Lyme Regis, he encounters Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious woman rumored to be the French lieutenant's lover. The story explores themes of love, choice, and societal expectations. As Charles becomes increasingly drawn to Sarah, he faces a moral dilemma between his duty to Ernestina and his desire for freedom. The novel is notable for its unconventional narrative style and multiple endings, reflecting the complexities of human relationships.