Yksinkertainen Sydän

A novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Félicité, a devoted servant to the ungrateful Madame Aubain, highlighting themes of love, service, and tragedy through her life experiences and relationships. The narrative primarily focuses on Félicité's perspective, her unwavering loyalty, and the simple yet poignant moments of her life that reflect deeper emotional truths. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the character of Félicité, who for over fifty years has served Madame Aubain in Pont-l'Évêque. The opening chapters depict Félicité's diligent work and her life full of hardship and servitude. We see her dedication as she manages the household chores, raises Madame Aubain's children, and deals with her own heartbreak from a past romance that ended in abandonment. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Félicité's modest existence, presenting both the details of her daily routines and her profound sense of belonging within the household, even as she remains an outsider in many respects. This establishes a foundation for themes of loyalty and loss that will resonate throughout the novel.