The Story

Jacques is a young Frenchman who falls completely under the spell of Mitsou, a Japanese artist living in Paris. His infatuation turns into a strange obsession when he discovers her unusual art form: she collects dead mice, mummifies them, and dresses them in tiny costumes. Jacques is both horrified and mesmerized. The story follows his desperate attempts to understand her, to possess her, and to become part of her unsettling world. It's a push and pull between two people who see each other as exotic, almost mythical creatures, and who might never truly connect.

Why You Should Read It

Rachilde doesn't just tell a strange story; she makes you feel the weirdness. You get inside Jacques's head as his love curdles into something darker. Mitsou remains an enigma, which is the whole point. The book asks uncomfortable questions about how we view 'the other' and how obsession can twist love into something grotesque. It's short, but it packs a punch. The mouse mummification is shocking, but it's really just a symbol for the bigger, messier themes Rachilde is playing with.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who get bored with predictable plots and want something that challenges them. If you enjoyed the psychological tension of books like 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' or the surreal edge of early 20th-century Decadent literature, you'll find a lot to love here. It's not a comfort read, but it's a brilliant, unforgettable one. Just maybe don't read it right before bed.