Book Summary
A romantic and unique narrative in a highly popular work in Iran, titled "Feather," by Charlotte Mary Matheson. Its simple prose does not bore or disillusion the reader in any way. The main character, Roger Dalton, shares his past experiences with a friend named Vivian and asks her to publish them for the interested audience. A 40-year-old insurance expert who enjoys a good life with his child and wife, he is suddenly confronted with the case of his wife's death, referred to as Madame Coutrèle. Dalton is taken by surprise and finds himself facing a love that he has never truly experienced before.
The novel "Feather" is not only an exciting challenge but also filled with emotions, often compelling the reader to choke up or shed tears, stemming from the love Roger has for Mavious Coutrèle. This love leads him to internal conflicts, such that with each line of the narrative, the reader involuntarily shares in Dalton's sorrows, despair, and joys.
in the middle of the story, Roger encounters numerous questions; for instance, he wonders what the true meaning of human life could be. He also contemplates how the love enveloping him can overcome obstacles and whether he is willing to pay the costs for it. In certain parts, readers might feel that life is akin to a game where winning and losing each carry significant consequences.
While the author does not explicitly state that life is a gamble or a circus, this notion is subtly conveyed to the reader. As they read about Dalton's experiences, one by one, the truths of this strange concept—life—are revealed in this beautiful story.
About the Author
Charlotte Mary Matheson was an English writer born in 1888. Matheson, who had a great passion for agriculture, joined an organization dedicated to assisting farmers after learning the trade and was appointed as the deputy steward to the Prince of Wales in Cornwall in 1918. For reasons that remain unclear, she resigned from her position shortly after and lived in seclusion until her death in 1937. Matissen, who died of cancer, left behind works such as "The Generation between" "Morwenna of the Green Gown", "Children of the Desolate" and "Nut in the Husk".
Who Should Read the Book?
Primarily, this book is recommended for readers who prioritize romantic novels. Secondly, those seeking a very different story with a romantic theme should not miss it.
Book Quotes
Throughout the entire time I was imprisoned, my heart never grew cold, and my satisfaction never diminished, for those happy hours with Mavious compensated for all the sorrows.
Although I may be a poor and humble man in every way, my victory and triumph were complete, and the success I achieved at such a high price is also hidden from Mavious.
When the court sentenced "Roger Dalton" to three years in prison for embezzlement, what drew the most attention from the spectators was that the convict showed little regard for the verdict and left the courtroom with firm steps and an uplifted head, wearing a smile that indicated satisfaction and success.
A strange and unsettling feeling tormented me. What did I want from him? More suffering and misery, more torment and wandering. He wanted to go abroad, towards a pure, simple, and untainted life. He wished to atone for his sins through physical hardship; his soul had suffered enough.
As he turned his feet towards the heater, I scrutinized him and saw that his physique was flawless; he himself knew this and was happy about it. He understood that a new land, work, and a life of purity and simplicity awaited him. Yet last night, when he saw Mavious, he laid that crown of red flowers, a memento of his love and affection, at her feet.
These things did not seem ridiculous to me; he deserved all the fantasies. While certainly my words did not make him more beautiful, graceful, delicate, or desirable than he already was, he was not just beautiful; he had a noble nature and an exalted spirit that matched a world of its own. I do not think I have adequately described my love and affection for him so that you can visualize it in your mind.
I was not the only one who had found burning love in the corners of London, but I had no partner, and no one could take it away from me; it was only he who buried it in my heart and destroyed it. However, no one can and has the power to obliterate the memories of this love, and this truth will remain eternal: I was at the peak of happiness and bliss beside him. Now, in this humble rural house, alone while the strong winds shake the window and the roaring waves rise like a magnificent mountain and scatter around, I feel its saltiness in the air, on the ground, and on my lips. Everything from my bitter life with Eva to the happy hours spent with Mavious is true. I still burn from the fire ignited in my soul; although the flames have died down, their warmth remains and will endure forever.
I knocked on the door, and a young and beautiful girl with golden hair, who looked no more than eighteen or nineteen springs old, opened it for me. After introducing myself, I entered the house, and before asking any questions, I inquired if she had been a reader of his soul-nurturing song. She answered affirmatively, then I began my necessary investigations; her name was Mavious Coutrèle.
