The Whirlpool (Everyman's Library)

Harvey Rolfe's modest inheritance allows him to live quietly on the edge of London's social and commercial circuits; but soon bankruptcy and suicide bring the tumult, and Alma Frothingham, to his door. Their desire for a simple life does not remain mutual for long. Self-deception gradually poisons their marriage; Alma's dream of success as a professional violinist draws her into a confusion of blackmail and powerful sexual jealousy, as Harvey falls into the whirlpool of decadence and materiality he strove to avoid.