Sigrid Undset 
Jenny / A Novel 

Jenny is a novel by the Norwegian writer Sigrid Undset, published in 1911, and regarded as Undset's literary breakthrough. The novel is set in Rome and later in Norway. The protagonist "Jenny Winge" tries to make a career as a painter. Being the lover of her fiancé's father results in a child, who dies shortly after the birth. She later commits suicide.

This is a heartbreaking story set in the distant past about a young Norwegian woman artist who is torn between her desire for self-development and her longing for true love. However, the values and principles behind the actions of the protagonist could well reflect the moral dilemma of many decent women of today with an educated mind. Is love or work more important?