Bernard J. Bourque Livres

Set on Campobello Island in 2019, the story follows Romeo Peppercorn III, who buys an abandoned estate steeped in mystery. His research unveils the poignant history of Bez Benjamin, his wife Lupine, and their extraordinary daughter Julia Louisa, who formed a remarkable bond with a one-armed boy named Theophilos. Blending humor and compassion, the narrative delves into themes of resilience, difference, and unconditional love, featuring a cast of eccentric characters and highlighting the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The narrative centers on Louis Pembroke, a young hotel owner on Campobello Island, Canada, as he navigates the complexities of managing the Tyn-y-Coed II. Through his interactions with quirky employees and eccentric guests, the story weaves themes of resilience and renewal. Set against a backdrop of humor, mystery, and suspense, the three interconnected novels explore the challenges and triumphs of life in a unique and captivating setting.

One of the most striking aspects of abbé d'Aubignac's fictional output is that the principal focus of his work is women. D'Aubignac's attempt to articulate his philosophy about the female sex is very much an intricate balancing act. While he is clearly interested in women, placing them on a pedestal in many of his writings, the abbé imposes limitations on their perceived innate qualities and often embraces the notion of the female as a societal scapegoat. All the Abbé's Women explores how these ideas were influenced by the socio-political conditions of d'Aubignac's time, resulting in a complex interrelationship between the notions of power and misogyny in the author's fictional and critical works. The study also aims to contribute to the scholarship on d'Aubignac, painting a portrait of the abbé that has not been the focus of previous books. The work will appeal to students of French literature, gender studies and the cultural history of Early Modern France.