L'étincelle

A novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Isabelle, a delicate young girl, who navigates a rigid and oppressive household led by her domineering grandmother, Madame Norand. The book explores themes of duty, repression, and the search for personal freedom against a backdrop of societal expectations.'' The opening of ''L'étincelle'' sets a melancholic tone as we meet Isabelle, who is engaged in mundane domestic tasks in her grandmother's home. The atmosphere, filled with the gloom of a rainy day in Paris, reflects Isabelle's own emotional state as she faces her grim existence. We learn about her rigid upbringing, orchestrated by Madame Norand, who intends to mold her granddaughter into a perfect housewife, devoid of desires or aspirations. The interactions with other characters, including her supportive but passive aunt Bernardine and the returning family member M. Marnel, hint at the contrasting lives and choices that Isabelle yearns for, but she seems ensnared in a life that limits her potential. This sets the stage for the unfolding drama of her struggle for identity and autonomy.