The Greatest "Adultery" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Adultery

The "Adultery" category in literature encompasses works that delve into the complex and often morally fraught subject of infidelity within relationships, particularly marriage. Books within this genre explore the emotional, psychological, and social ramifications of extramarital affairs, examining themes such as betrayal, guilt, passion, and the search for personal fulfillment. The narratives often provide insight into the characters' inner lives and the circumstances that lead to their decisions to engage in adultery, as well as the consequences that unfold for all parties involved. This genre can span various styles, from dramatic and tragic to introspective and even comedic, offering readers a multifaceted look at one of society's enduring taboos.

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  1. 26. Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

    "Flight Behavior" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the effects of climate change on a small town in Appalachia. The story centers around a young woman who stumbles upon a forest filled with a massive population of monarch butterflies, which have migrated there due to changing weather patterns. This unusual event brings a flurry of scientists, reporters, and religious leaders to the town, causing upheaval in the community and forcing the protagonist to reevaluate her understanding of the world.

  2. 27. Fifty Shades of Grey: by E L James

    A young, innocent college student interviews a handsome, enigmatic billionaire for her campus newspaper and soon finds herself drawn into his world of dominance and submission. As she navigates the unfamiliar territory of BDSM, she must also grapple with her own desires and the emotional complexities of their unconventional relationship. This erotic romance novel explores themes of power, control, and the nature of love and desire.

  3. 28. Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi

    Mr. Fox is a novel about a writer who is challenged by his imaginary muse to stop killing off his female characters. This leads to a series of stories within stories, where reality and fantasy blur. The writer, his wife, and the muse navigate through these narratives, exploring themes of love, identity, and the power of storytelling. The novel is a mix of fairy tale, romance, and mystery, with a metafictional twist.

  4. 29. The Great Man by Kate Christensen

    "The Great Man" is a novel that revolves around the life of a renowned painter, Oscar Feldman, who was known for his portraits of nude women. The story is told through the perspectives of the women in his life, including his wife, his mistress, and his sister, after his death. As two competing biographers try to document his life, the women reflect on their relationships with him, revealing a complex man who was both a loving father and a serial adulterer. The novel explores themes of art, love, infidelity, and the ways in which people are remembered after their death.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download