The Line of Love Dizain des Mariages   By: James Branch Cabell (1879-1958)

The Line of Love Dizain des Mariages by James Branch Cabell is a mesmerizing tale intricately woven with themes of passion, desire, and the complexities of love. Set in an imaginary land of Poictesme, the novel takes us on a journey through time and multiple generations as we witness the lives, loves, and fates of its enchanting characters.

Cabell's writing style is rich, lyrical, and full of poetic imagery, taking the reader on a sensory adventure that transcends time and space. The author masterfully crafts a web of interconnected stories, flawlessly blending fantasy elements with a realistic portrayal of human emotions. This fusion creates a delightful juxtaposition, highlighting the eternal struggle between love, duty, and personal freedom.

Despite being published nearly a century ago, the themes explored in The Line of Love are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today. Cabell invites us to ponder the role of fate in our lives, urging us to question the choices we make and the consequences they hold. In doing so, he explores the various forms of love, from passionate and all-consuming infatuation to enduring and soul-stirring connections that span lifetimes.

The characters themselves are vibrant and multidimensional, each representing different aspects of love and its consequences. Whether it is Florian's unyielding commitment to his beloved Octa, or the tumultuous relationship between Beatrice and Perion, Cabell paints a realistic and sympathetic portrait of the human condition in matters of the heart.

Furthermore, the prose is sprinkled with philosophical musings and insightful observations on love and relationships, making the novel a thought-provoking read. Cabell's ability to seamlessly blend romance, humor, and introspection is a testament to his mastery as a writer.

However, The Line of Love may not appeal to readers seeking a fast-paced plot or action-driven narrative. It is a book that demands patience and attentiveness as Cabell delves into the intricacies of love and its transformative power. Some readers may also find the archaic language and references challenging, requiring additional effort to fully grasp the intended meaning.

In conclusion, The Line of Love Dizain des Mariages by James Branch Cabell is a beautifully written tale that delves deep into the complexities of love, offering a richly woven tapestry of emotions and human connection. Cabell's masterful storytelling and skillful exploration of the human longing for love will leave readers captivated and contemplative long after they have turned the final page.

First Page:

The Cabell case belongs to comedy in the grand manner. For fifteen years or more the man wrote and wrote good stuff, sound stuff, extremely original stuff, often superbly fine stuff and yet no one in the whole of this vast and incomparable Republic arose to his merit no one, that is, save a few encapsulated enthusiasts, chiefly somewhat dubious. It would be difficult to imagine a first rate artist cloaked in greater obscurity, even in the remotest lands of Ghengis Khan. The newspapers, reviewing him, dismissed him with a sort of inspired ill nature; the critics of a more austere kidney the Paul Elmer Mores, Brander Matthewses, Hamilton Wright Mabies, and other such brummagem dons were utterly unaware of him. Then, of a sudden, the imbeciles who operate the Comstock Society raided and suppressed his "Jurgen," and at once he was a made man... Continue reading book >>