Joy: A Novel

Joy tells the narrative of Chantal de Clergerie, a young visionary who lives a life distinguished by innocence and purity in the midst of lunacy, and Abbé Cénabre, a priest dealing with apostasy. Acclaimed author of A Country Priest, and other famed works, Bernanos continues the tale of his 1927 book The Imposter, trading austerity for sublimity and ratiocination for mysticism. Cénabre, now Chantal's spiritual counsellor, finds his belief in knowledge's saving power challenged by her gracious humility, patience, and childish contentment. Bernanos takes the drama of pride and humility to a stunning finish with his trademark great workmanship and wonderful language.

Joy is a compelling, incisive, and comprehensive journey into the depths of the internal life that was awarded the 1929 Prix Femina, a literary prize given to the finest French book of the year. It has been widely acclaimed as a "exalted narrative."