In a society ruled by decorum and silence, one woman dares to live—and speak—on her own terms. "Diana of the Crossways" by George Meredith is a bold, witty, and emotionally rich novel that explores the struggles of a brilliant and independent woman navigating the treacherous currents of Victorian high society. Diana Warwick is beautiful, intelligent, and politically astute. But when a scandal erupts around her rumored betrayal of a government secret, she is cast into a maelstrom of gossip and disgrace. Based loosely on the real-life controversy surrounding Caroline Norton, Meredith’s heroine must battle not only societal condemnation but also her own conflicting desires for love, autonomy, and purpose. A powerful critique of gender roles, reputation, and the limits of freedom, Meredith’s novel blends romance, political intrigue, and sharp satire into a portrait of a woman ahead of her time. With complex characters and prose that crackles with insight, "Diana of the Crossways" remains a strikingly modern meditation on truth, power, and the price of being heard.