Lady Chatterley's Lover - D.H. Lawrence

Connie’s marriage to Clifford was shaped more by social expectation than true love. At first, she tried to be a loyal and supportive wife, unfortunately Clifford returned from the war, paralyzed. Their relationship lacked physical intimacy as Clifford became more absorbed in his writing and intellectual world. Connie still young and full of life, began to feel lonely and invisible till Connie met Mellors, the gamekeeper of Wragby and Clifford’s servant, and over time, their quiet understanding grew into a deep and unexpected love.

It’s like—I don’t fully agree with what Connie to Clifford. I feel pity for Clifford—a  but is crippled, powerless, and impotent. He’s trapped in his own pride and intellect, unable to truly connect with Connie emotionally or physically. On the other hand, I also sympathize with Connie, who feels no joy or warmth at Wragby. It’s not entirely her fault; a man like Clifford never truly tried to understand her needs as a woman. Connie longs for freedom—to live by her own choices rather than stay imprisoned in an unhappy marriage. True love rarely comes in a lifetime, and when she found it in Mellors, she felt lucky. She surrendered to it, even if it meant giving up her social status, because for the first time, she truly felt alive.

Connie was raised with a sense of freedom, nothing could stop her from choosing her own happiness. She decided to follow her heart and trust in Mellors, the only man she truly loved. Some might say this is selfish in a world led by men, but the truth is, we women also have a choice—to live fully, not just to endure.

Lady Chaterley's Lover is not only about adultery and intimacy; it also serves as proof that Connie and Mellors relationship becomes a lens that subtly explores issues of class difference, economic disparity, the changing geographical landscape of old England, and the emotional damage caused by industrialization and social expectation. They reach a kind of primordial happiness—simple, natural, and deeply human. Away from the noise of society and industrial life, they find joy in each other’s presence, both physical and emotional bond.

Okay, maybe I’m a bit weird for liking this scandalous author, and I feel a little ashamed for reading this book. But somehow, despite the controversy, the story speaks to something real. I think, the readers in the early 20th century were not ready for Lady Chatterley's Lover because social and moral values at that time were much more conservative, especially involving a married woman and a working-class man, and were considered inappropriate and even scandalous. I don't know in this century, book like this become a common though I rarely read contemporer fiction, but the question is "why" ? people nowdays is more liberal to express their art and tought,  and the publisher does not censor strictly and basicly sales the book based on provit oriented. Nevertheless, classic authors stand out not just for their breakthroughs in literature, but also for their courage to speak about taboo subjects that reflect real human experiences. The more controversial, the more interesting for me, and the more forbidden the more I want to read. This is the second reading from D.H Lawrence, I would like to read more books from him. I also curious with The Rainbow.

"One may go against convention, but one must keep up tradition.”

Ruang Buku Megga Rated : ✬✬✬✬(4/5)

Title : Lady Chatterley's Lover

Author : D.H Lawrence
Publisher : Signet Classics

Year : 2011 (First Published in 1928)
Format / Pages : Softcover /368 pages
ISBN :  9780451531957