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 Kiss to the Leper” is an ugly, sickly young man, shy and eccentric. Can he count on his share of female warmth and affection? And at what cost can you achieve love or force yourself to love? Once again, the author sets difficult moral tasks for his characters.