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Thérèse Desqueyroux
156 pages, 2005
fiction
1382 booksFrançois Mauriac's masterpiece, Thérèse Desqueyroux, is one of the greatest Catholic novels. It tells the haunting story of an unhappily married young woman whose desperation drives her to thoughts of murder.
The author paints a memorable portrait of spiritual isolation and despair in Thérèse, but he also dramatizes the complex realities of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. Set in the countryside outside Bordeaux—a region of overwhelming heat and sudden storms—the novel's landscape reflects Thérèse's inner world: one filled with heartache and longing.
Raymond N. Mackenzie's translation captures Mauriac's poetic lyricism as well as the intensity of his stream-of-consciousness narrative. Mackenzie also provides notes and a biographical and interpretive introduction to help readers appreciate Mauriac's mastery.
François Mauriac takes us on a journey into the mind of Thérèse Desqueyroux, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage. He explores the complexities of human nature, showing us that even the most ordinary people can harbor dark secrets.
Thérèse Desqueyroux is a story of a woman's struggle for freedom. Mauriac paints a vivid picture of Thérèse's desperation to escape her oppressive life, making us question the lengths we would go to for our own freedom.
In Thérèse Desqueyroux, silence is a powerful tool. Mauriac uses it to create tension and reveal the true feelings of his characters. It's a reminder that sometimes, what isn't said can be just as important as what is.
Mauriac explores the damaging effects of societal expectations in Thérèse Desqueyroux. He shows us how Thérèse's life is dictated by the expectations of others, leading her to make drastic decisions in a bid for freedom.
Thérèse Desqueyroux is a deep dive into the complexities of relationships. Mauriac explores the dynamics between Thérèse and her husband, revealing the intricacies of their relationship and the power struggles within it.