Summary

The novel begins with the narrator, Mr. Martial, describing his family's estranged relationship with his maternal uncle, Cornelius de Malicroix. Malicroix lives in isolation on an uncultivated island on a river in the region of Camargue. For Mr. Martial, Malicroix's reputation is shrouded in mystery and romance. Although Mr. Martial does not share the Malicroix name—he is a Megremut—he feels a visceral connection to his uncle, as he is the last living person who shares his blood.

At the age of 25, the narrator learns that his uncle Malicroix is dead. A month later, the narrator learns from a notaire that Malicroix has bequeathed to him his marshland property, livestock, and house. He sets out from his home in Le Caselet on November 11 to assume the property in Camargue, which requires a two-day journey by coach. When Mr. Martial arrives in Camargue it...