Escal-Vigor   By: Georges Eekhoud (1854-1927)

Escal-Vigor by Georges Eekhoud is a powerful and gripping novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and society. Set in the rural countryside of Belgium, Eekhoud paints a vivid portrait of a small village and its inhabitants, exploring themes of desire, repression, and social hierarchies.

The novel follows the lives of two main characters, an aging countess and a young man named Serge, who form a forbidden and passionate relationship that challenges the norms of their conservative community. Through their interactions, Eekhoud examines the constraints of society and the consequences of defying conventions.

Eekhoud's prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a world where desire and power collide. The novel's exploration of sexuality and societal taboos feels modern and relevant, even though it was written over a century ago.

Overall, Escal-Vigor is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that will appeal to readers interested in complex characters and social commentary. Eekhoud's exploration of human desires and the constraints of society is both timeless and compelling.

First Page:

Smaragdis ou l'île smaragdine dépend du royaume mi germain et mi celtique de Kerlingalande. À l'origine du commerce occidental, une colonie de marchands hanséates s'y fixa. Les Kehlmark prétendaient descendre des rois de mer ou vikings danois. Banquiers un peu mâtinés de pirates, hommes d'action et de savoir, ils suivirent Frédéric Barberousse dans ses expéditions en Italie, et se distinguèrent par un attachement inébranlable, la fidélité du thane pour son roi, à la maison de Hohenstaufen... Continue reading book >>