The Immoralist by Andre Gide. Short summary

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Michel, a scholar-philologist suffering from tuberculosis, goes with his wife to Africa, where he gradually recovers. In Africa, the scholar’s outlook on life changes and he realizes his attraction to Arab boys.

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Michel, the protagonist, a scholar-philologist who is ill with tuberculosis, goes on a honeymoon to Africa with his wife. There he meets Arab children who heal him with their energy. Michel slowly recovers under the constant care of his wife and with a new meaning to life. In Africa, the hero realizes that he has changed.

After their recovery, the couple returns to their estate, La Morinière. Michel begins to lecture in Paris, but no one understands his outlook on life. Only one scholar, Menalk, accepted Michel’s views. They become friends.

One night Michel stays with Menalk, before he leaves Paris. That night Michel’s wife has a miscarriage. The couple returns to the estate. But the man’s life burdens him.

The novel ends with Michel going on a trip to Africa with his sick wife. There his wife dies. Michel breaks free of the bonds that had been weighing him down. The farm is sold, his wife is dead, and now he can stay in Africa and play with Arab boys.