A Vintage Penguin. Now East, Now West by Susan Ertz

 This comparison of British and American ways and troubles in a marriage is well-worth reading, but 'wordy,' and it involves much psychological analysis. Some of the book is set in Italy, and Ertz writes some breathtaking descriptions of the Tuscan countryside, which I greatly enjoyed.  I am interested in finding other novels by this author, who is not well-known now, unfortunately. 

When George and Althea, a young married couple, are transferred to London from America with their little son Cleve, George goes reluctantly. This American businessman likes his wealthy, comfortable life in New York, and isn't interested in travel. He doesn't care about English history, or culture. Althea, ambitious and a social climber, longs to travel, and at first, appears much more cultured and interesting than her boringly contented husband who lacks curiosity. She isn't terribly likeable, though, especially as she doesn't seem to care much about her child, who has a nanny to take care of him.

Althea begins to enjoy London life, and the attentions of Francis, an urbane, sophisticated aristocrat, who is everything that George isn't. When she is invited to travel to Italy with her friend Mary, she starts falling in love with Francis, while George, surpisingly, makes friends with an older woman, a former actress. This wise lady educates him in taste, and culture, and they start having an 'emotional affair' but George remains in love with Althea.

Althea's experiences in Europe change her irrevocably, while George starts to 'blossom' in his loving friendship with the older woman. He starts to become a much deeper and wiser man with a passion for knowledge. Readers may be very surprised who they sympathise with in the end!

I read this for Rose City Reader's 22 for '22 Challenge.