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A young widower seeks a new wife to help raise his three young children. The Devil’s Pool, by George Sand, follows a single father who is reluctant to remarry. Yet, he is forced by his father-in-law to go visit a local widow who is also looking for a new husband.
About the author
George Sand, born Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, was a prolific and revolutionary French novelist of the 19th century, widely celebrated for her groundbreaking exploration of gender, societal norms, and class struggle. She broke barriers not only with her provocative works, but also through her audacious choice to publish under a male pseudonym at a time when women writers faced severe discrimination. Among her most notable works are "Indiana", "Lélia", and "Consuelo", all of which remain cherished classics of French literature. Sand's vast body of work and her impactful role in questioning and transforming the literary conventions of her time firmly establish her as a significant figure in the world of literature. Her extraordinary talent for storytelling, combined with her penchant for intricate character development and evocative descriptions, have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest writers of her era.
Summary
Two years after his wife’s death, Germain is encouraged to move on and find a new woman and home to accommodate his three growing children. He travels to visit a single woman who is eager to start a new family.
Following his daughter’s death, Père Maurice has provided constant support for his son-in-law Germain. But after two years, he pushes him to find a new wife. Germain is a young man with three children in need of a mother. Maurice sends him to visit the daughter of a friend, who is also widowed and interested in remarrying. Germain reluctantly agrees, taking his son and the teenager Mary, who is seeking employment. The trip proves to be an eye-opening experience for the duo who form an unexpected bond.
Similar to Sand’s previous work, Indiana, The Devil’s Pool examines the obligations of marriage. The story illustrates how duty and perception take priority over love and kindness. It’s a dichotomy that continues to present itself, regardless of one’s social or political status.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Devil’s Pool is both modern and readable.
