Scattered Love

In Maylis Besserie's novel, Yeats' ghost arises from diplomatic documents that cast doubt on the contents of his coffin. The novel explores the connection between France and Ireland in the context of art, culture, and the end of life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: The Lilliput Press Ltd

She arrived like a shadow, gracefully sliding into my line of sight, her presence captivating my attention. Between my blinking eyelids, she gracefully slipped, as if merging with the dust that danced around us. And there she stood, Maud Gonne, the muse that inspired the words of renowned writer William Butler Yeats. Yeats, himself a ghost, had been laid to rest in the cemetery of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in France in 1939, only to be returned to his homeland a decade later. As he emerged from his earthly grave, his spirit was filled with the desire to recount the tale of his unrequited love for Maud, a story intertwined with the tumultuous journey of Ireland's independence movement. Yeats and Maud, both iconic figures, played pivotal roles in shaping the course of history. However, the sudden resurrection of long-kept diplomatic documents has cast a shadow of doubt upon the contents of the coffin that was brought back to Ireland for a state funeral. The question arises: Where did the poet's body truly rest? Does he still linger, as he so poetically expressed, somewhere above the clouds? What remains of our loves and our deaths, if not the poetry that encapsulates their essence?

In her captivating novel, Besserie takes us on a journey that continues the exploration of the intricate connection between France and Ireland, as seen through the lens of art, culture, and the final chapters of life. In Maylis Besserie's second offering, she shifts her focus from the enigmatic world of Samuel Beckett to the iconic figure of W. B. Yeats. The novel delves deep into the rich tapestry of France and Ireland, weaving together the threads of art, culture, and the poignant moments that mark the end of a life. Through the pages of this captivating novel, Besserie invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of Yeats and his profound influence on the world of literature and beyond.

Dimension: 216 x 136 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843518624