Aphrodite: Moeurs Antiques

''Aphrodite: Moeurs antiques'' by Pierre Louÿs is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores themes of love, sensuality, and the status of women through the lens of ancient cultures, particularly set in Alexandria. The main character, Chrysis, is an ancient courtesan who embodies both beauty and ambition, engaging in philosophical reflections on love and morality. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Chrysis, who is characterized by her beauty and allure as she navigates her life as a courtesan. Lying on her bed, she reflects on her past, her origins in Galilee, and the journey that led her to Alexandria where she has become an accomplished courtesan. It also highlights her desires for excitement and tragedy in her life, marking her restlessness and ambition for something beyond mere existence as a courtesan. Her conversations with her servant, Djala, reveal her longing for extraordinary experiences and interactions with divine beings, suggesting a deeper quest for meaning amid the pleasures and excesses of her current life.