<p>In this remarkable novel Mauriac brings his extraordinary talent for probing the inmost core of the human character to what is arguably the most exciting theme in the world: the battle for the human soul. In all of literature there can be few more appalling studies of a soul devoured by pride and avarice corroded by hatred.</p> <p>Louis a wretchedly unhappy multimillionaire all but personifies evil. Toward the end of his life seeking to uncover the cause of his unhappiness he commits to paper his whole bitter story: his indulgent but affection-starved childhood; his first love; the trivial misunderstanding that festered until it poisoned their entire married life and the lives of their children; the old miser’s struggle to disinherit his family; and finally the powerful climax with divine grace vying to the very end to pierce the evil encrusting Louis’ soul.</p></p><P>A Blackstone Audio production.</p>