'Justine' was the Marquis de Sade's first novella, written in 1787, whilst impri
soned for two weeks in the Bastille. Although published anonymously, de Sade was
eventually indicted for blasphemy and obscenity (without trial) for the authors
hip of 'Justine' at the behest of Napoleon Bonaparte. Who suffers in the pursuit
of desire? The Countess de Lorsange reveals her history, in a tavern, to a youn
g woman named Therese; where a young girl and her sister fight a battle of moral
ity.
Set in a period before the French Revolution, Justine shows the battle o
f virtue versus vice, where earning your keep takes on fresh connotations, and a
titled lady holds a lifetime of illicit secrets.
