The narrative follows a young boy named Hypolite, who, recovering from measles, is sent to a village to regain his strength. There, he is cared for by Madame Dulac, who nurtures him and helps him reconnect with his French heritage. Hypolite quickly forms bonds with the villagers, particularly with a girl named Félice and a man named Maxime, who owns a black dog named La Tristesse. Hypolite is drawn to La Tristesse, despite the villagers' superstitions about the dog being a harbinger of misfortune. The boy's innocent curiosity leads him to Maxime, who explains that he named the dog Sorrow due to her appearance and the stigma surrounding her. Maxime and Hypolite share a mutual appreciation for beauty and art, contrasting with the villagers' fear and prejudice. As rumors of misfortune linked to La Tristesse circulate, tensions rise in the village. The villagers demand that Maxime get rid of the dog, leading to a confrontation where Maxime refuses to abandon his loyal companion. In a moment of unexpected bravery, Félice steps forward, declaring her willingness to leave with Maxime if he must go. This declaration transforms the situation, as the crowd is taken aback by her boldness and the depth of their connection. Ultimately, Maxime, Félice, and La Tristesse leave the village together, hand in hand, disappearing into the sunset. The story concludes with Hypolite mourning the loss of this beautiful moment, reflecting on the themes of love, loyalty, and the societal fear of the unknown. The narrative encapsulates the innocence of childhood, the power of connection, and the tragic beauty of love intertwined with sorrow.
By Marjorie Pickthall · First published 1923 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Magical Realism