"Adultery" by Paulo Coelho, summary

Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho’s novel, published in 2014, explores the existential crisis of a successful woman who loses her joy amidst apparent prosperity. The work explores the psychological mechanisms of emotional burnout and marital infidelity. This book is a frank confession of the heroine, who attempts to overcome spiritual numbness through dangerous passion, destructive intentions, and subsequent spiritual rebirth.

Existential crisis in Geneva’s paradise

The protagonist, thirty-one-year-old journalist Linda, lives in Geneva. Her life seems perfect: her loving husband is one of the three hundred richest people in Switzerland, her two sons are cared for by a Filipina nanny, and her job at a well-known newspaper brings her satisfaction. However, in the spring, after an interview with a writer who declared his intention to live for passion rather than for peace, the heroine is overcome by depression.

Linda is plagued by apathy, fear of aging, and the loss of intimacy with her husband. Shopping for dishes on the Rue de la Rhône and a conversation with a friend taking antidepressants at a Japanese restaurant bring no relief. Soon, the editorial team assigns Linda to interview her high school sweetheart, thirty-year-old Jakob König, who has become a promising politician.

An impulsive move and an affair with a politician

A conversation with Jacob in his office about social programs quickly loses its businesslike tone. Succumbing to the impulse to break strict rules, Linda performs oral sex on the politician right during the meeting. This violation of moral norms restores a lost sense of freedom for the heroine. On her way to the editorial office, she buys a toothbrush and washes her Versace blouse, and that evening, she experiences a wild night with her husband.

The thought of Jacob becomes an obsession. Linda and Jacob dine at the Perle du Lac restaurant, where the politician discusses the astrological concept of the "Saturn return," which marks the threshold of maturity. Later, at the Parc des Des-aux-Vives, Jacob confesses that he is burdened by his career, unhappy in his marriage to Marianne, and facing blackmail from Nigerian businessmen. Linda kisses Jacob, feeling her fear give way to excitement.

The editor-in-chief tasks Linda with obtaining exclusive details of the König case, using classic journalistic tricks. The politician manages to neutralize the blackmailers with the help of the Ministry of Finance. Linda and Jakob’s relationship develops into a secret affair. Their relationship culminates in hotel sex, where Linda, embarrassed and aroused, cedes control to her partner.

The Dark Side and the Revenge Scenario

A run with her husband along the lake in Nyon reveals his concern: he notices Linda’s sadness, suggests an active break, and urges her not to give up halfway through the race. But a dark side awakens within her, like Frankenstein’s monster or Mr. Hyde. On election day, Jakob takes third place and is elected to the cantonal government. At the party headquarters, Linda meets his wife, Marianne.

Marianne, a philosophy professor at the University of Geneva, wearing a Hermès scarf and a Moschino dress, maintains a condescending attitude. She admits that she leaked information about her husband’s affair to the press for the sake of his election campaign. Marianne makes it clear to Linda that she is in control of the situation and sees no threat in it. Her wounded pride pushes Linda to seek revenge.

Wanting to put Marianne in prison, Linda buys thirty grams of cocaine from a street vendor in the underpass near the Mont Blanc Bridge for five thousand francs. She goes to the university clinic, intending to plant the drug in Marianne’s desk, but discovers the desk has no drawers. On the brink of insanity, Linda visits three psychiatrists and then consults a Cuban shaman in Veyrier, who advises her to follow her intended path to the end.

Final Choice and Spiritual Rebirth

At a reception given by TV presenter Darius Rochebin, the two couples end up together. Marianne invites Linda and her husband to dinner at the Hôtel Les Armours restaurant, where she deliberately brings up jealousy. Linda becomes rude. The next morning, Jacob sends a message that his wife has figured it out and blames Linda for the breakdown.

After crying for hours in the car, Linda gets a parking ticket and realizes the futility of their relationship. That evening, they have a heart-to-heart talk by the fireplace. Her husband speaks of his unconditional love, his willingness to accept her every decision and endure her trials. This selfless feeling restores her dignity.

Linda comes to Jacob’s office for their final meeting. After sex, she hands him a bag of cocaine, asks him to throw it away, and announces her breakup. She returns to her family, abandoning her selfish fantasies forever.

For Christmas, the couple travels to Interlaken. At a bar, the husband lets out his pent-up fatigue and confesses his unfulfilled dreams of sea voyages. The next day, they paraglide over the Alps from an altitude of 1,350 meters. Soaring above the valley alongside an eagle, Linda experiences a spiritual revelation, realizing the true value of love, family, and life. They return to Geneva refreshed and celebrate the New Year with their children under the falling snow.