Histoires magiques

About this book

"Histoires magiques" by Remy de Gourmont is a collection of short stories likely written in the early 20th century. The author weaves together elements of the supernatural and the whimsical, often exploring themes of desire, guilt, and innocence, through the lives of various characters. The opening portion introduces us to Douceline, a complex and troubled young girl, whose experiences hint at the dark interplay between innocence and corruption. The beginning of "Histoires magiques" delves into Douceline's early years, marking her as a precocious child infused with strange desires and a burgeoning awareness of sensuality. She engages in innocent yet forbidden actions, such as kissing and playing with the children around her, demonstrating a curiosity that evolves into a deeper conflict between her overwhelming instincts and societal expectations. As she grapples with her feelings of devotion to religious imagery and her involvement with the enigmatic figure Péhor, the narrative sets the stage for the unfolding of her tumultuous journey through adolescence, pleasure, and sin. Douceline's experiences reflect a complicated relationship with desire, ultimately leading to the darker themes that characterize Gourmont's stories.