Romance of the Rabbit

"Romance of the Rabbit" by Francis Jammes is a poetic novel written during the early 20th century. The narrative centers around a rabbit who experiences the beauty and dangers of life, ultimately encountering the gentle soul of St. Francis. The story explores themes of innocence, nature, and spirituality, illustrating the connection between animals and the divine through lyrical prose. The opening of the novel introduces the rabbit as he navigates his existence amid the serene French countryside, filled with sensory delights and lurking dangers. He is depicted in a world infused with life and vibrancy, yet also tinged with fear as he races from the sounds of the hunt. As he encounters other creatures and reflects on his existence, his encounter with St. Francis marks a significant turning point, suggesting themes of faith and companionship. Initially fearful and cautious, the rabbit eventually finds solace in the warm embrace of friendship, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of life, death, and the quest for paradise tailored for all beings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Francis Jammes was a French and European poet. He spent most of his life in his native region of Béarn and the Basque Country and his poems are known for their lyricism and for singing the pleasures of a humble country life. His later poetry remained lyrical, but also included a strong religious element brought on by his (re)conversion to Catholicism in 1905.