The Good Soldier Summary

Our tale is told by John Dowell, centered around the nine-year relationship he and his wife, Florence, had with Edward and Leonora Ashburnham. The story's narrative doesn't follow a linear timeline, rather it alternates between past occurrences and Dowell's current contemplations of those events. All four characters are introduced in the first part; while Dowell and Florence are American, Edward and Leonora are British. Both Florence and Edward suffer from heart conditions which bring the two couples together at a health spa in Nauheim. However, an affair between Florence and Edward is imminent, something Dowell is oblivious to but Leonora isn't. Despite the friendships formed, the stability is short-lived as Edward's numerous affairs come to light and the friendship disintegrates.

Edward's numerous infidelities put the Ashburnhams in severe debt, leading Leonora to take over his finances. After spending eight years in India to recoup their losses, they return to Nauheim where Leonora believes she has regained control of their lives. This illusion shatters when she catches Maisie Maidan, a woman they brought from India, coming out of Edward's bedroom. In an attempt to cover up the scandal, she befriends Florence, but this only leads to Florence's affair with Edward. The first part concludes with Mrs. Maidan's death, who overhears Florence and Edward's conversation about her being a convenient mistress for Edward. This revelation is too much for Mrs. Maidan, who suffers from a real heart condition, and she dies, leaving Leonora ridden with guilt.

In contrast to her adulterous lifestyle, Florence secretly longs for a life in Fordingbridge, England, the town where her ancestors were forced to live centuries ago and where Edward's estate is located. Unbeknownst to Dowell, Florence has been unfaithful numerous times, including an affair with a low-class artist named Jimmy. After nine years with Edward, Florence plans to divorce Dowell and marry Edward, but upon discovering Edward alone with his young ward, Nancy, and confronting her past indiscretions, she takes her own life. Following her death, Leonora suffers a breakdown when she realises Edward is in love with Nancy. Despite this, she manages to protect Nancy from Edward's advances, leading to her eventual mental breakdown. In the end, Edward commits suicide, Leonora remarries and has a child, while Nancy descends into madness, leaving Dowell to care for her.