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Justine

By Lawrence Durrell

Published in 1957

“The sea is high again today, with a thrilling flush of wind. In the midst of winter you can feel the inventions of Spring. A sky of hot nude pearl until midday, crickets in sheltered places, and now the wind unpacking the great planes, ransacking the great planes. . . .

“I have escaped to this island with a few books and the child–Melissa’s child. I do not know why I use the word `escape.’ The villagers say jokingly that only a sick man would choose such a remote place to rebuild. Well, then, I have come here to heal myself, if you like to put it that way. . . .”

Suggested by Rita Petretti, Kenosha

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