The Ravishing of Lol Stein spins a tale centered on the intense emotions of its main characters, especially through the lens of its narrator, who is determined to unravel the mystery that is Lol Stein. The narrative is devoid of traditional climactic events, opting instead to explore themes of memory and desire over physical happenings. Through a tapestry of introspection and unresolved longing, the story paints a portrait that elevates the psychological over the tangible.

A Devastating Ball

Lol Stein, a quiet and reserved young woman, finds herself engaged to Michael Richardson, a man of considerable means. Their engagement is shattered during a ball when Michael becomes captivated by a mysterious older woman, Anne-Marie Stretter, spending the entire night dancing with her, eventually leaving with her. Lol is left stunned by this betrayal and faints, prompting her mother to come to her aid. Michael departs for India with Anne-Marie, leaving Lol spiraling into a deep depression. During a solitary walk, she encounters John Bedford, who becomes fascinated by her aloof demeanor. Captivated, John proposes marriage, which Lol accepts, and the couple relocates to Uxbridge.

Return to South Tahla

A decade of calm passes before Lol and John return to the familiar grounds of South Tahla. As Lol settles into her new environment, she resumes her habitual long walks, seemingly lost in thought. The narrator confesses to secretly following Lol on these walks, observing her from afar. During one such walk, Lol witnesses a couple who stirs a vague memory within her—particularly the woman who seems familiar. Curiosity piqued, she discreetly trails the man, discovering he meets with her old friend Tatiana at a hotel she once frequented with Michael. Lol remains in the background, observing from a distance until nightfall. Determined to reconnect, Lol visits Tatiana, feigning ignorance of her prior discovery. At Tatiana's home, she encounters Tatiana's husband, Dr. Peter Breugner, alongside Tatiana’s lover, Jack Hold. At this moment, the narrator reveals his identity as Jack, disclosing his awareness of Lol throughout the tale.

Entangled Desires

As the story unfolds, Lol and Jack confess an attraction to one another, with Jack professing a willingness to leave Tatiana. Yet Lol, driven by her own enigmatic motives, desires Jack to continue his liaison with Tatiana so she can continue observing them. Their attraction grows, but they refrain from acting on it while Jack continues his affair with Tatiana under Lol’s watchful gaze. Though Jack remains drawn to Tatiana, he begins to feel weary of the relationship, and Tatiana grows suspicious of his feelings for Lol. Jack, however, manages to conceal the truth.

Confronting the Past

In a significant turn, Lol invites Jack on a journey to Town Beach, a pivotal location tied to her past heartbreak. This trip amplifies their bond, culminating in a visit to the ballroom where her engagement unraveled. Confronting her memories, Lol triumphs over her fear of the place. Aware that they cannot return to South Tahla that night, Lol and Jack decide to remain in Town Beach, where they finally consummate their relationship in a hotel room. Despite this new intimacy, Lol insists that Jack adhere to his scheduled meeting with Tatiana the following day. Exhausted by the emotional journey, Lol finds solace in sleep in the field outside the hotel.