Ljepotica dana
The novel The Beauty of the Day by French author Joseph Kessel, published in 1928, explores the complex psychological and emotional layers of the main character, Séverine Sérizy.
Seemingly happily married to the doctor Pierre, Séverine faces internal conflicts between her love for her husband and her own hidden sadomasochistic fantasies.
Prompted by a conversation with an acquaintance who mentions a local brothel, Séverine decides to explore her repressed desires. Under the pseudonym "Belle de Jour", which means "Beauty of the Day", she begins working in the brothel from 2 pm to 5 pm, returning home in the evenings to her husband, who is unaware of her double life.
Her routine is complicated when she enters into a relationship with Marcel, a young gangster who becomes obsessive and jealous. The situation escalates when Marcel, in an attempt to eliminate Séverine's husband, instead severely injures Pierre, leaving him paralyzed. Marcel is arrested, but refuses to reveal Séverine's secret, thus protecting her from public condemnation.
The novel ends with Séverine facing the consequences of her decisions, while caring for her husband and bearing the burden of guilt. Kessel's novel deeply explores themes of sexuality, identity, and moral dilemmas, leaving a strong impression on the reader.
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