'Liber Amoris' Summary

Liber Amoris chronicles William Hazlitt's turbulent infatuation with a younger woman, Sarah Walker, the daughter of his landlord. The book charts Hazlitt's increasingly obsessive pursuit of Sarah, fueled by a combination of intense romantic feelings and a profound sense of self-importance. Hazlitt's relentless pursuit, however, is met with rejection and indifference from Sarah. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters, diary entries, and fragmented reflections, exposing Hazlitt's inner turmoil. He grapples with jealousy, self-doubt, and a growing sense of humiliation as his infatuation consumes him. The work delves into the psychological and emotional ramifications of unrequited love, portraying a man consumed by his own desires and unable to reconcile his idealized vision of Sarah with the reality of their situation. In the end, Hazlitt's passion turns to bitterness and self-loathing, leading to a painful realization of his own folly and a shattered sense of self. Liber Amoris is a raw and unsettling exploration of the destructive nature of love and its ability to distort perception and shatter the ego.