Later Life by Louis Couperus is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of aging, regret, and the passage of time. The novel follows the protagonist, Charles, as he navigates the challenges of growing older and reflecting on his past decisions.

Couperus' prose is elegant and reflective, drawing the reader into Charles' inner turmoil and emotional struggles. The novel delves into themes of lost love, missed opportunities, and the difficulties of accepting one's mortality as one grows older.

What sets Later Life apart from other novels on aging is Couperus' ability to capture the deep complexities of human emotions and relationships. Charles' journey is poignant and relatable, making the reader reflect on their own life choices and the inevitability of aging.

Overall, Later Life is a beautifully written and introspective novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Couperus' exploration of the later stages of life is both moving and insightful, leaving a lasting impact on the reader long after the final page is turned.

Book Description:
Set in the stifling world of turn of the century Dutch aristocracy, the second volume of the 'Books of the Small Souls' quartet, begins where the first volume ended. Constance Van der Welcke has returned to The Hague after her twenty-year exile for a scandalous affair in Rome. Hoping for acceptance by her family and the society of her former 'set', Constance and her husband Henri are now estranged from the family and have given up all ambitions of acceptance in society. Determined to live quietly, they form new friendships - Henri with Constance's niece, Marianne, and Constance with Henri's eccentric old friend, Max Brauws - that lead each of them on a journey of self-discovery. The original in Dutch can be found in our catalogue: Dutch Version