Book excerpt: In May Sarton’s debut novel, a mysterious and beloved Belgian poet finds new life when a young Englishman ventures to meet her Published under the pseudonym Jeanne Latour, Doro’s poetry inspired a generation. Her teaching of great literature and philosophy also fired up the imaginations of her young pupils. Throughout her adult life, Doro’s most important relationships have been those with Claire and Annette, fellow teachers who have nicknamed themselves the Little Owls and with whom she shares a close-knit friendship. Despite her full life, Doro can’t help but feel that her first sixty-three years have been but a prelude to something yet to come. The heartbreak of young poet Mark Taylor has stifled his art and well-being. In love with an older, unavailable married woman, Mark goes in search of Jean Latour, whose poetry, he believes, could be his salvation. But Mark knows nothing of the enigmatic writer’s true identity, and it is in their unexpected meeting that both poets begin to find a renewed and transformative sense of self. This ebook features an extended biography of May Sarton.