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"Constance, or Solitary Practices" is a novel by Lawrence Durrell, published in 1982. The novel is set in the island of Rhodes, where the protagonist, Constance, has retreated to after the death of her husband.

The novel is told through a series of vignettes and reflections, as Constance grapples with her grief and tries to come to terms with her newfound solitude. Durrell uses the setting of Rhodes, with its rich history and culture, as a backdrop for Constance's internal journey.

One of the central themes of the novel is the idea of isolation and how it can either be a source of strength or a destructive force. Constance initially sees her solitude as a way to escape the pain of her loss and to find some sense of peace. However, as the novel progresses, she begins to realize that her isolation is preventing her from fully engaging with the world and from finding true meaning in her life.

Durrell's writing is evocative and poetic, and he does an excellent job of capturing the mood and atmosphere of Rhodes. The descriptions of the island, its landscape, and its people are vivid and detailed, and they add depth and richness to the novel.

Another theme that is explored in the novel is the relationship between the past and the present. Constance is haunted by memories of her husband and their life together, and she finds it difficult to let go of the past and move on. At the same time, she is also drawn to the history of Rhodes and the stories of its past inhabitants, and she finds solace in these connections to the past.

Overall, "Constance, or Solitary Practices" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel. Durrell has created a complex and nuanced character in Constance, and the themes of isolation, grief, and the relationship between the past and present are handled with sensitivity and insight. If you are a fan of Durrell's work or are looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read, this novel is definitely worth checking out.