John L'Heureux Knihy

The evolving dynamics of love and ambition are central to this story, as Maria initially views her relationship with Russell as a means to escape her circumstances. Over time, however, the affection in their relationship becomes unbalanced; Russell's love deepens while Maria increasingly prioritizes their son over him. This shift highlights themes of sacrifice, motherhood, and the complexities of romantic relationships amidst personal aspirations.

The story follows an unconventional young priest whose faith faces significant challenges, exploring themes of belief and doubt in a compelling narrative. Recognized as a "New York Times" Notable Book and a "Publishers Weekly" Best Book, it offers a deeply satisfying reading experience that delves into the complexities of spirituality and personal conviction.

A quest for inner peace takes an unexpected turn when writer J.J. Quinn attempts to buy an expensive handbag for his wife, only to witness it being stolen by a captivating shoplifter. Intrigued by her audacity, Quinn finds himself drawn into a web of mystery and peril, challenging his notions of desire and morality. As he navigates this dangerous encounter, he uncovers deeper truths about himself and the world around him.

Set in an ordinary New England school, the story follows a young English teacher facing a significant personal and professional crisis. The narrative explores themes of integrity and resilience, highlighting the challenges educators encounter. Praised for its compelling storytelling, this "New York Times" Notable Book delves into the complexities of teaching and the moral dilemmas that arise in everyday life, offering a profound reflection on the profession's impact.

The narrative centers on Philip Tate, a seemingly perfect man with youth, beauty, and a loving family. However, a nighttime drive leads him to a moment of temptation that threatens to unravel his idyllic life. As he flirts with the forbidden, the story explores themes of desire, risk, and the fragility of happiness, prompting readers to consider what truly matters in life.

"The story of a family whose chance meeting with a stranger while dog walking slowly becomes an ominous invasion of their domestic lives. David and Maggie Holliss are an ordinary married couple about to ease into a comfortable, well-earned retirement while tending to three middle-aged children with whom they share an edgy relationship of love and resentment. Reginald Parker enters their lives when he saves their dog from being run over by a truck, and when asked how they can possibly thank him, he replies with a request for the loan of two hundred dollars. They lend it to him, gladly, and thus begins what will become for them and their family a nightmare that moves from comic resignation to stark tragedy."--Provided by publisher

John L'Heureux spent his long, prolific career exploring questions of morality and faith in stories that entertain, surprise, and sometimes disturb; and The Heart Is a Full-Wild Beast compiles the enduring stories of a distinctive American writer. A sweeping posthumous collection wrestles with faith, irony, and the redemptive nature of love. --Kirkus A nun crashes her car; an unborn child sings to its mother; a troubled priest is in the market for a London apartment. In The Heart Is a Full-Wild Beast, John L'Heureux explores head-on life's biggest questions, and the moments--of joy, doubt, transcendence--that alter the course of life. Compiled as he neared the end of his life, and conceived as the legacy of a life's work, The Heart Is a Full-Wild Beast brims with elegance, humor, and compassion, welcoming both the ordinary and the rapturous. L'Heureux is a writer of astonishing vision--a master of storytelling and the sentence.