Madeleine Bourdouxhe was an author whose work explored the depths of human experience with remarkable sensitivity. Her prose often delved into the psychological complexities of her characters, revealing their inner worlds with nuanced detail. She examined themes of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning amidst turbulent times. Her unique style and insightful observations make her a significant literary figure whose work continues to resonate with readers.
The seven stories in 'A Nail, A Rose' confirm Madeleine Bourdouxhe's status as an under-appreciated master of the form. Like her critically lauded novels Marie and La Femme de Gilles, these stories tunnel into the conflicted hearts of their female characters in fluid, beautiful prose.
Elisa is Gilles' wife and her devotion to him is passionate and all-consuming. Her daily life is permeated by thoughts of him - thoughts of his return from the factory, thoughts of his footsteps on the path as he arrives home each evening, when, in the minutes before his return, she is overcome with paralysing anticipation. But when Gilles suddenly finds himself powerfully and helplessly attracted to Elisa's younger sister, Victorine, Elisa's world is turned upside down.
Marie is so devoted to her husband Jean that she overlooks his casual betrayals. Yet with surprising ease she takes a lover, but remains tied to the realities of life. However, the attempted suicide by her sister provokes in Marie an impulse to seize life and savour it to the last drop.