Diamant Noir
1938
Published in 1938, 'Diamant Noir' by Jean Aicard is a French novel set in the late 19th century that explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal within a family. The story follows François Mitry and his daughter Nora as they grapple with the death of François's wife, Thérèse, and the revelation that Nora may not be his biological child. This emotional narrative delves into the complexities of grief and the impact of family secrets, ultimately leading to a rift between father and daughter as they navigate their painful realities.
Editions
X-Ray
“Then the Old Man of the Earth stooped over the floor of the cave, raised a huge stone from it, and left it leaning. It disclosed a great hole that went plumb-down."That is the way," he said. "But there are no stairs." "You must throw yourself in. There is no other way.””
— Jean Aicard
“You have tasted of death now,” said the old man. “Is it good?” “It is good,” said Mossy. “It is better than life.”“No,” said the old man: “it is only more life.””
— Jean Aicard
“The door closed behind them. They climbed out of the earth; and, still climbing, rose above it. They were in the rainbow. Far abroad, over ocean and land, they could see through its transparent walls the earth beneath their feet. Stairs beside stairs wound up together, and beautiful beings of all ages climbed along with them.They knew that they were going up to the country whence the shadows fall.And by this time I think they must have got there.””
— Jean Aicard
“But the wearer of Grandmother's clothes never thinks about how he or she looks, but thinks always how handsome other people are.””
— Jean Aicard
