Summary

In Chapter 7, Frédéric (Doctor Molineu) contemplated topics for a new book, centering around ideas of the Islamic world as reversing the trends of human advancement through history. It was clear that having Midhat in his household factored strongly into the development of the concept. He shared his plans with his colleague Patrice Nolin, who expressed skepticism on account of its heavy reliance on German scholarship that could be viewed negatively in light of the war. During this time, Midhat anguished at the house over Jeannette’s avoidance of him after his inquiry about Laurent. He reminisced another girl he had loved, a Christian girl named Hala in Nablus during his childhood. Through his time with her (and his memories of her after moving away to Constantinople) Midhat developed his consciousness of love. However, in this new world with Jeannette as the...