"A Virgin Heart: A Novel" by Remy de Gourmont Remy de Gourmont was a French symbolist poet, novelist, and influential critic. The early 20th century serves as a setting for the love of Rose des Boys, a naive but desirous virgin, and M. Hervart, a conservative and more or less preserved, "honest pervert," betrayed by a postcard. Through this book, Gourmont was able to explore the less openly discussed parts of love, desire, and passion.