This is the story of twin brothers, Robert, a pius priest, and Charles, a depraved libertine, who despite their character differences remain close. Both are attracted to a "loose" woman, Eponine, with whom Charles spends his time drinking and having sex. For her part, Eponine is attracted to the virtuous Robert, and she and Charles spend time plotting ways to seduce Robert. When Eponine and a fellow harlot show up in the front pew for mass one day, Robert breaks down mentally and emotionally. Simultaneously, Charles begins to deteriorate physically.

I never connected with this book. I found it very contrived, although well-written. It didn't educated me, and I did not derive any enjoyment from it. So, another one checked off the 1001 List, which says the novel fuses "Bataille's familiar fascination with the relationship between eroticism, death and sensuality, {and}...explores the thin line between sexual desire and morbidity." This analysis of the novel concludes, "Readers may find the treatment of this issue somewhat excessive and the contrived intention to shock somewhat heavy-handed, but this is still an engaging and unusual piece of writing."

2 stars ( )