Mother of Pearl

"Mother of Pearl" by Anatole France is a work of historical fiction written in the late 19th century. The novel centers around the character Lælius Lamia, an exiled Roman who reflects on his past while staying near the brilliantly crafted coast of Baiæ, where he encounters Pontius Pilate, his old friend and powerful former procurator of Judæa. As they reminisce about their lives, the narrative explores themes of power, friendship, and the complexities of governance, particularly in the context of their past interactions with the people of Jerusalem. The opening of "Mother of Pearl" introduces readers to Lælius Lamia, who is grappling with his reflections on age and the passage of time while residing in Baiæ. The narrative quickly establishes his long-standing friendship with Pontius Pilate, who has come to seek relief from his ailments. Their conversation delves into Pilate's troubled past as procurator in Judea, revealing the tensions between the Roman authority and the local Jewish population. As the two reminisce, they discuss the difficulties of governance, the challenges of maintaining peace among unruly subjects, and even touch on significant figures such as Jesus of Nazareth, weaving a rich tapestry that not only reflects on their personal histories but also on the broader themes of power and morality in a turbulent historical landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anatole France was a French poet, journalist, and novelist with several best-sellers. Ironic and skeptical, he was considered in his day the ideal French man of letters. He was a member of the Académie Française, and won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Literature "in recognition of his brilliant literary achievements, characterized as they are by a nobility of style, a profound human sympathy, grace, and a true Gallic temperament".