Release date is 2024-06-23

René Galluvot (This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica))

"L'art d'aimer : roman" by Jean de Gourmont is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the complex and passionate relationship between the main characters, Raymond and Rite, delving into themes of love, desire, and the tensions of societal constraints. Their affair is depicted in a highly sensual and philosophical manner, as they navigate their emotions against the backdrop of their respective lives. The opening of the story introduces a poignant farewell between Raymond and Rite, where they reflect on their intense attraction and the inevitability of their separation due to Rite's marriage. Both characters express deep feelings of love intertwined with pain, highlighting their desire for an eternal connection that transcends the limits of their circumstances. As they engage in a fervent exchange of physical and emotional intimacy, Raymond contemplates the nature of their love, grappling with the idea of possession and the fleeting nature of such moments. This sets the stage for an exploration of the interplay between devotion, longing, and the philosophical underpinnings of their passion. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Paris: Éditions du siècle, 1925