The devil's paintbrush

"Like any young man, Etienne longs for independence and dreams of a bright future. But he's a Tourangeau, part of a sprawling Quebec family that, though destitute, thrives as insecurely as weeds in a well-tended garden, nurtured by a mother whose abundant love is more than maternal. The he meets Odile, a beautiful young woman from a good family who inspires Etienne to transform his future into something worthy of her. But, like Romeo and Juliet, their wild, pure love for each other cannot last.

Though Etienne faces his challenges courageously, destiny will force the young lovers apart."--BOOK JACKET.