THE CONSCIENCE OF LOVE

by Marcel Ayme ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 16, 1962

Translated from the French by Norman Denny this is the story of Martin, 28, who comes home to Paris after serving two years for killing a fellow tenant. He is be-friended by Tatiana, once a student, now a model, and is hired by her wealthy friend, Lormier, as a personal assistant. He goes to live with his brother Michel, who does nothing, and Valeria, Martin's ex-mistress who is supporting Michel. Michel writes about love (""for woman love is a social affair"") and is a current phenomenon, as an unseen influence with a growing cult. Martin finds a manuscript hidden in his desk, at work, gets Tatiana interested in tracing its truth, creates areas of antagonism between Lormier and Hermelin, a company official who has been harassing Martin, is lover to both Valeric and Tatiana, gets Michel the job of tutoring Lormier's four children. Lormier's business troubles, Tatiana's desertion of him, the firing of Martin and Michel, bring about Michel's death and Martin's marriage to Valerie. Business, politics, France and its immediate concerns, ethics, culture and sex, this effects a dizzying medley which could delight -- or confuse.

Pub Date: March 16, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1962

Categories: FICTION