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Tuberculosis -- Nursing -- 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.
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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