"Bruges-la-Morte"

"Bruges-la-Morte" is a novel by Belgian author Georges Rodenbach, published in 1892. It explores themes of grief, obsession, and the haunting beauty of Bruges, a historic Flemish city. The story follows a widower who becomes obsessed with a woman who resembles his deceased wife, leading him into a psychological descent. The novel employs vivid imagery and symbolism to depict mourning and the city’s gothic charm, blending reality and fantasy. It is considered an early example of Symbolist literature, emphasizing mood and emotion over straightforward storytelling.