Happiness and the Lithuanian Countess

The only copy of a novel is found after 100 years. The author’s husband destroyed all the others. Was it too true to life? How was it found? HAPPINESS written by Countess Sofia Zubov in 1902: a Lithuanian-Polish-Russian novel set at the turn of the 20th Century in Lithuania. A story of recovered Lithuanian family history across three languages and three generations. The book contains the novel in English. Plus a history of Sofia and Vladimir Zubov’s life and family. In addition, the story of how the book came to light, a timeline of the author’s life, and a brief account of the historical context of Lithuania. THE STORY: The visitor to an estate falls in love with the hostess. Mykolas, a pampered young royal from Warsaw, visits the country estate of his university friend Steponas for the summer, and falls for Steponas’ wife Elvyra. She’s a super mother, lady of the manor, and a Darwinist. They talk about philosophy and love. Soon he follows her around like a puppy, hoping for more. Touches her. It turns out his friend Steponas has just tried to persuade his wife to have an open marriage.