The Valentin of Lelia by George Sond

In 1833, George Sond had a brief romantic relationship with the actress Marie Dorval. This was also the year that she published her third novel, Lelia. The titular character finds happiness neither with her many love affairs nor in being celibate. In addition to the theme of true love that can never be actualized because of a class disparity, this book serves as a feminist critique of the poor standards of education for women.