Escal-Vigor

Escal-Vigor, Georges Eekhoud's groundbreaking novel, explores themes of love, identity, and societal norms in late 19th-century Europe.Set on the fictional island of Smaragdis, the story follows Count Henry de Kehlmark, the young lord of the Escal-Vigor estate, who returns to his ancestral home after years of education abroad. When the nobleman finds himself drawn to a local farmer's son, the insular village community grows increasingly hostile. As tensions mount, Henry and his companion must decide whether to bow to convention or follow their hearts-no matter the cost.Eekhoud crafts an atmospheric tale that blends Gothic romance with sharp social commentary, using the isolated setting to examine how fear and prejudice can transform a community. The novel was controversial upon its release for its sympathetic portrayal of same-sex love, establishing it as a pioneering work of LGBTQ+ literature.