French writer Francois Mauriac is one of the most prominent figures in the literature of the 20th century. A Nobel Prize winner, he created his own special, Mauriacian, type of novel. Continuing the tradition established by O. de Balzac and E. Zola, Mauriac explores the subtlest nuances of human psychology. In the center of the narrative of most of his works are relationships within the family. Life constantly tests Mauriac's heroes for strength, and few of them withstand these tests with honor. The main character of the novel - a proud playmaker, a seducer of women's hearts, always breaking them - unexpectedly meets in a night restaurant a woman whom he vowed to take revenge on 17 years ago. that she scornfully rejected his youthful love. How sweet will this revenge be?..