Therese Desqueyroux

Brief Overview

The novel «Therese Desqueyroux» by François Mauriac tells the story of a young woman named Therese who lives in provincial France. She marries Bernard Desqueyroux, a man she does not love. The marriage turns out to be unhappy, and Therese feels trapped. In desperation, she decides to commit a crime—she attempts to poison her husband. However, her attempt fails, and Bernard survives. Therese faces trial, but thanks to the intervention of her husband's influential relatives, the case is hushed up, and she avoids prison. Nevertheless, her life becomes an even greater prison as she remains under constant surveillance and control by her husband's family. The novel explores themes of loneliness, despair, and moral ambiguity, showcasing Therese's internal struggle and her yearning for freedom.