Jenny: Roman

by Sigrid Undset

"Jenny: Roman" by Sigrid Undset is a novel published in 1911. Set partly in Rome, it tells the story of artist Jenny, who succeeds professionally but fails tragically in love. She overlooks her friend Gunnar, becomes engaged to Helge without real feeling, then begins a relationship with Helge's father, Gert. When Jenny becomes pregnant, she flees. After her child dies, despair consumes her. The novel explores destructive relationships and ends with Jenny's suicide, leaving Gunnar to mourn what might have been.