"Love is not a diamond, destined for a single hand." Inspired by French fairy tales of the 17th century, McClelland's novella brings emotional realism to a universal story of love, trust, and jealousy, in a fantasy kingdom where curses are all too real. The narrative revolves around two people in love: Malvinia, a sunny, outgoing woman with a knack for opening hearts; and Modeste, a man of quieter virtues. Their relationship, however, is the story's...