Isabelle

Isabelle is the story of a rather romantic young man who falls in love with a painting of a woman, Isabelle, while staying at Quartfourche castle in Normandy researching for his thesis. As a novelist, he is interested in the reality behind appearances. In this he clashes with the Abbot who warns him that “the spirit of examination and critical thinking is the larva of the mind in revolt”. Various idiosyncratic characters at the castle drive his curiosity about the mystery that surrounds Isabelle. The book finishes with a surprising conclusion.