I originally read this back in 1971 when I was serving in the military. I think I read it at the time because of its infamous reputation of explicit descriptions of sex. At the time, I think I did feel it was quite explicit but after rereading this, it now seems somewhat tame compared to today's standards. I decided to reread this after seeing the 2022 movie version on Netflix that was very explicit. I wanted to compare the movie with the book and for the most part, the movie did capture the book quite well in my opinion.
The book was originally published in 1928 and was available in foreign editions. The first unexpurgated edition did not appear in England until Penguin risked publishing it in 1960 which resulted in them being prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act of 1959. Penguin was acquitted after a notorious trial in which many known authors of the day appeared as witnesses.
The plot of the novel centers on Lady Constance Chatterley and her marriage to Sir Clifford who had returned from the Great War paralyzed and impotent. Clifford is a titled baronet whose property includes the surrounding coal mines of the English midlands. Connie enters into a passionate love affair with her husband's game-keeper, Oliver Mellors, who is also married but separated from his wife. She ends up pregnant by him and both she and Mellors strive to get divorces so they can be together. Although there are some explicit descriptions of the sex act, the novel is really a very powerful love story. The novel also delves into Lawrence's views on the state of modern society and the threat to culture by the tide of industrialization and capitalism.
Overall, I thought this was a very powerful novel and I'm glad I took the time to reread it. I have a couple of other Lawrence novels on my shelves including Sons and Lovers that hopefully I'll get to at some point.
The book was originally published in 1928 and was available in foreign editions. The first unexpurgated edition did not appear in England until Penguin risked publishing it in 1960 which resulted in them being prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act of 1959. Penguin was acquitted after a notorious trial in which many known authors of the day appeared as witnesses.
The plot of the novel centers on Lady Constance Chatterley and her marriage to Sir Clifford who had returned from the Great War paralyzed and impotent. Clifford is a titled baronet whose property includes the surrounding coal mines of the English midlands. Connie enters into a passionate love affair with her husband's game-keeper, Oliver Mellors, who is also married but separated from his wife. She ends up pregnant by him and both she and Mellors strive to get divorces so they can be together. Although there are some explicit descriptions of the sex act, the novel is really a very powerful love story. The novel also delves into Lawrence's views on the state of modern society and the threat to culture by the tide of industrialization and capitalism.
Overall, I thought this was a very powerful novel and I'm glad I took the time to reread it. I have a couple of other Lawrence novels on my shelves including Sons and Lovers that hopefully I'll get to at some point.
