J. (Jules) Barbey d'Aurevilly
L'Amour impossible; La bague d'Annibal
"L'Amour impossible; La bague d'Annibal" by J. Barbey d'Aurevilly is a fictional work likely written in the mid-19th century. This novel presents a portrait of social and romantic entanglements revolving around the character of Bérangère de Gesvres, a beautiful and enigmatic woman navigating the complexities of love and societal expectations. It explores themes of passion, ennui, and the perceptions of femininity within a highly stratified society. The opening of the novel introduces the marquise de Gesvres returning home from an evening performance at the theater. She is depicted as a striking yet restless figure, grappling with feelings of ennui and a past marred by betrayal. Her beauty, once a source of admiration, is now intertwined with a profound sense of isolation and disillusionment. As she reflects on her life, it becomes apparent that while she has experienced deep emotional pain, her current interactions are characterized by a detachment that leaves her yearning for genuine connection, even as she prepares to entertain a visitor entwined in her complex social web.