Strait Is the Gate

Strait Is the Gate (in French La Porte Étroite) is a novel written by André Gide, published in 1909. This book is a profound reflection on faith, morality, and personal sacrifice.

The novel is narrated in the first person by a young man who reflects on his past and the choices he has made, focusing on his relationship with his cousin, Alissa. The story explores the tensions between personal desires and social and religious expectations, with Alissa striving to follow a path of strict religious piety, sacrificing her personal desires and aspirations. The central tension of the novel revolves around Alissa's inner struggle and her desire to adhere to a life of pure devotion, which ultimately leads her to a choice of isolation and renunciation.