"The Painted Veil" is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham published in 1925. It tells the story of Kitty Fane, a young woman who marries a bacteriologist, Walter Fane, to escape her mundane life. When she discovers his unfaithfulness, she accompanies him to a cholera-stricken region in China as he seeks to combat the outbreak. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. As Kitty confronts her own shortcomings, she undergoes significant personal growth, ultimately finding purpose and meaning in her life amidst the challenges they face.