The Alexandria Quartet is a series of four novels written by Lawrence Durrell. The books are Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive, and Clea. The series is set in Alexandria, Egypt, in the 1930s and 1940s.
The first novel, Justine, introduces the reader to the city of Alexandria and its inhabitants. The main character is Justine, a beautiful and mysterious woman who is the object of desire for many of the men in the city. She is also the focus of a love triangle between her husband, Nessim, and her lover, Darley. The novel follows the characters as they navigate their relationships and the city of Alexandria.
The second novel, Balthazar, focuses on the character of Balthazar, a doctor who is in love with Justine. He is also a friend of Nessim and Darley, and the novel follows his attempts to win Justine's love. The novel also explores the themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal.
The third novel, Mountolive, is set during World War II and follows the characters as they struggle to survive in a city under siege. The novel also explores the themes of loyalty and betrayal, as well as the effects of war on the city and its inhabitants.
The fourth and final novel, Clea, is set after the war and follows the characters as they attempt to rebuild their lives. The novel explores the themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, as well as the effects of war on the city and its inhabitants.
The Alexandria Quartet is a complex and multi-layered series of novels that explore the themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and the effects of war on a city and its inhabitants. The novels are set in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, in the 1930s and 1940s, and follow the characters as they navigate their relationships and the city. The series is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition and the complexities of love and loyalty.