The novel begins with a letter by an unnamed author, addressed to Monsieur D. R., President of the Council. The letter’s narrator, accompanied by two friends, Denis and Daniel, have travelled to Sidi B. M., a remote village in Tunisia, to track down their friend Michel. They have not seen Michel since his wedding three years before. He contacted his friends asking for them to come to his aid, and since the friends had pledged to help one another if they were ever in need, they set out to see him. When they find Michel in the village, he has changed dramatically from the devoted scholar that they knew. Michel betrays no emotion when he greets them. Inviting them to listen to his tale over coffee, he explains the events of his life since he married. The narrator encloses Michel’s story in the letter. He agonizes over what to think of Michel’s actions, which he finds morally reprehensible. He asks the recipient of the letter to help Michel find a job because he believes Michel is not beyond redemption and can be “turned to a good purpose” (9).