Compared
to Bel-Ami, this was a slower-paced
read, but the writing is nonetheless beautiful. I was captivated by
Maupassant's sensitivities in his descriptive skills in general.
It
is a carefully crafted story of an aristocratic lady with a sheltered bring-up
who has lived through shattered dreams about love, unhappiness in marriage,
betrayals by husband, best friend and friends, disillusions with the mores of
her times and disappointment with life in general. Maupassant writes with
compassion where the protagonist is concerned, and with clear-sighted satire on
the subject of religion and dogmas.
The
setting is mainly in a seaside suburb of Rouen, with some diversion to the
island of Corsica, all beautifully portrayed. The times are in the early 19th
century.
I
was totally transported by the writing, whether it was the twists and turns of
the story, or the enthralling descriptions of thoughts and emotions, or the
refined painting of places and scenes. My only complaint is that the ending seemed
to be a bit abrupt.
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