'The Metamorphosis of Lisette Joyaux' is the story of Lisette Joyaux, born in the province of Normandy. Her father was a gentleman farmer who was left a considerable estate and fortune. Lisette inherited her mother's beauty and her father's patrician elegance. But, in addition, she possessed a most ingenuous mind and personality.
There was nothing in Lisette's childhood to indicate the path she would take in her later life. Her loving parents lavished every affection and gift upon this dear girl, and they employed a diligent and sympathetic governess who never spoke a harsh word to her precious ward, even in the event of misbehavior. By the time she was eighteen, she knew nothing about punishment as she did about lovemaking. However, her destiny was being shaped by the grim fates who measure out and cut the thread of life for all mortals.