Love

While the novel acknowledges the excitement and fulfillment that can often come from romantic relationships, the narrative also examines the pain and complications that are also sometimes connected to the pursuit of those relationships. One of the most prominent romantic relationships in the novel is that of Catherine and Antoine—Violaine’s parents. Catherine divorced her first husband to marry Antoine. Catherine faced disdain from Antoine’s ex-wives and children, but Catherine persevered. Catherine and Antoine had two children together. They eventually divorced, due in large part to infidelities committed by Antoine. However, the novel acknowledges that Catherine still felt romantic attachments to Antoine for years after: “Even though she had remarried after their separation, Maman had never stopped loving out father—adoring him, adulating him, idolizing him—to the point where this passion dominated her daily life” (18). The volatilities and complications of this relationship help...