About this book
Théophile Gautier's haunting masterpiece "Clarimonde" explores the perilous intersection of sacred faith and forbidden desire. Originally published as "La Morte Amoreuse," this gothic romance follows Father Romauld, a devout country priest whose soul becomes entangled with the ethereal beauty of Clarimonde, a mysterious courtesan who may not be entirely of this world.
Torn between two lives, Romauld experiences a supernatural torment: by day he serves God with unwavering piety, but each night he descends into a decadent nocturnal existence as a worldly nobleman, captivated by Clarimonde's intoxicating presence. For three years, the boundary between dream and reality dissolves as he struggles against a diabolical force threatening his very soul. This atmospheric tale masterfully blends romance with horror, examining themes of temptation, redemption, and the battle between spiritual conviction and human passion.
Translated by the acclaimed Lafcadio Hearn, this 1908 edition captures the lyrical prose and psychological depth of Gautier's original French. The narrative unfolds as a confession, drawing readers into the narrator's anguished recollection of extraordinary and terrifying circumstances. Perfect for readers who crave gothic literature with psychological complexity, "Clarimonde" remains a timeless exploration of desire's dangerous power and the fragile nature of the soul.
