Subject
Interpersonal attraction -- Fiction Books
Best books
François Mauriac
The kiss to the leper
"The Kiss to the Leper" by François Mauriac is a novel written in the early 20th century. It delves into complex themes of love, self-loathing, and the moral conflicts faced by its characters, primarily focusing on Jean Péloueyre, who grapples with his appearance and social isolation. The narrative promises an exploration of his interactions, particularly with Noémi d'Artiailh, as they navigate the burdens of expectation, societal norms, and personal desires. At the start of the narrative, Jean Péloueyre is introduced as a physically unremarkable young man consumed by self-hatred and insecurities. He lives in a constrained household dominated by his father's need for silence and control. As he contemplates his existence, Jean's reflective nature reveals his yearning for connection, yet he feels utterly disconnected from the vibrant life around him. His interactions with his family and acquaintances underscore the complex dynamics of love and rejection, setting the stage for the emotional and existential struggles that will unfold as he confronts the arrival of Noémi, the potential object of his affections, against the backdrop of their rigid societal expectations. The opening portion leaves readers with a poignant sense of anticipation for the deeper moral and philosophical dilemmas that are likely to ensue.
Richard Marsh
The Magnetic Girl
"The Magnetic Girl" by Richard Marsh is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Norah O'Brady, a young woman grappling with feelings of inadequacy and societal expectations as she navigates her life amid her more glamorous sisters. The narrative delves into themes of beauty, loneliness, and the complexities of love and relationships. The opening of the book introduces us to Norah O'Brady's tumultuous emotions as she reflects on a marriage proposal from Mr. Benjamin Morgan, a man labeled as "Crooked Ben" by her friends and family due to his deformity. Despite feeling rage and shame over the proposal, Norah is also compelled by curiosity about what it means to be desired, even if it is from someone that society deems unworthy. Her struggle with self-image is compounded by her family's constant scrutiny and invitations to marry, making her question her worth. As the chapter progresses, we see Norah's turmoil deepen, especially when dealing with her family’s dismissive attitudes and the emerging dynamics during an encounter with her admirers, hinting at further developments in her journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening.
François Mauriac
Le baiser au lépreux
"Le baiser au lépreux" by François Mauriac is a novel published in 1922. Jean Péloueyre, a hideously ugly young man, marries the pretty Noémi d'Artiailh in an arranged union. He discovers that his physical presence causes her uncontrollable revulsion, and she begins to waste away. Desperate to spare her suffering, Jean makes increasingly drastic sacrifices. This tragic tale of marriage, physical repulsion, and self-destruction became Mauriac's first major success and is considered his first masterpiece.
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