Strong as Death
1889
Published in 1889, 'Strong as Death' by Guy de Maupassant follows Olivier Bertin, a celebrated painter in Paris, as he navigates the complexities of love and jealousy in his relationship with the beautiful Countess de Guilleroy. The novel explores themes of artistic insecurity and the emotional struggles inherent in romantic entanglements, set against the backdrop of Parisian society. Richard Howard's recent translation captures the depth and psychological insight of this poignant work, which examines the treachery of love and the burdens of desire.
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“Le coeur peut s'émouvoir souvent à la rencontre d'un autre être,car chacun exerce sur chacun des attractions et des répulsions.Toutes ces influences font naître l'amitié,les caprices,des envies de possession,des ardeurs vives et passagères,mais non pas l'amour véritable.Pour qu'il existe cet amour,il faut que les deux êtres soient tellement nés l'un pour l'autre,se trouvent accrochés l'un à l'autre par tant de points,par tant de goûts pareils,par tant d'affinités de chair,de l'esprit,du caractère,se sentent liés par tant de choses de toute nature,que cela forme un faisceau d'attaches.””
— Guy de Maupassant
“the poor heart wherein the little girl I was once””
— Guy de Maupassant
“Now she was frightened, terribly frightened, and had a wild desire to run away, to ring, to call, but she dared not move, lest she might disturb his repose.””
— Guy de Maupassant
“peace characteristic of an artist's dwelling, where the human soul has toiled. Within these walls, where thought abides, struggles, and becomes exhausted in””
— Guy de Maupassant
