Author
René Boylesve
1867-1926
René Boylesve (1867-1926) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by René Boylesve
Les Bains de Bade: Petit Roman d'aventures Galantes et morales
"Les Bains de Bade: Petit Roman d'aventures Galantes et morales" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1896. Inspired by two letters from Renaissance humanist Poggio Bracciolini, this work weaves together scenes from life at the baths of Baden with accounts of the Council of Constance. The novel blends gallant adventures with moral reflection, drawing on historical sources to create a tale of intrigue and observation set against the backdrop of medieval European society.
La leçon d'amour dans un parc
"La leçon d'amour dans un parc" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1902. Set in a château in Touraine, the story revolves around a provocative statue of Cupid that stirs conflicting emotions among the château's female inhabitants. As young Jacquette grows up amid the adults' romantic intrigues, she becomes an innocent observer of their amorous games. The novel blends Rabelaisian humor with philosophical inquiry, exploring themes of love, education, and repression through escalating comic and dramatic events.
You no longer count (Tu n'es plus rien!)
"You No Longer Count" by René Boylesve is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book appears to explore the personal and societal upheaval experienced during World War I, as it follows the protagonist Odette Jacquelin, a young woman grappling with the impact of war on her life and her marriage to Jean, a reserve officer. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the transformation of personal identities amid the backdrop of a global conflict. At the start of the story, Odette experiences a disorienting moment of memory and reflection following an illness. As she lies in bed, her mind drifts back to her carefree days spent in a close-knit circle of friends preparing for the summer, unaware of the war's imminent arrival. The narrative captures the warmth of her domestic life before the sudden onset of conflict and impending loss, highlighted by her burgeoning love for Jean and their shared experiences. With the declaration of mobilization, Odette's world is irrevocably fractured, and her blissful past begins to recede into the background, signaling the beginning of her emotional struggle as she faces the realities of a soldier's life for her husband.
L'enfant à la balustrade
"L'enfant à la balustrade" by René Boylesve is a largely autobiographical novel published in 1903. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Riquet Nadaud, son of a notary, the story explores the petty rivalries and social maneuvering of provincial bourgeois society in a small Touraine town. When Riquet's father purchases a coveted house with a terrace enclosed by a balustrade, the family faces ostracism from local notables. As adult conflicts swirl around him, the sensitive boy develops his capacity for judgment, experiences first love, and searches for an elusive ideal he struggles to define.
Le bel avenir
"Le bel avenir" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1905. It follows two contrasting young boys whose mothers each dream of a bright future for them. Paul Chef-Boutonne is hardworking and impossibly correct, yet despite his academic success, fails to achieve the government position his mother desires and falls into debt. Alexis Dieulafait d'Oudart is charming and beloved by all, and though less accomplished in his studies, secures happiness and wealth through an advantageous marriage.
La poudre aux yeux
"La poudre aux yeux" by René Boylesve is a collection of five short stories published in 1909. The stories explore the theme of appearance versus reality—the impression people give to others, whether intentionally or not. A father and son deceive each other about their finances. A worker's son rejects the superficial allure of high society. An elderly man finds joy in simple card games. A fallen entrepreneur wastes away from shame. A mysterious vagrant turns out to be an ordinary man fulfilling a lifelong dream of seeing the sea.
Élise
"Élise" by René Boylesve is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Élise, a young woman from Granville, as she navigates her relationships, societal expectations, and personal desires amidst the backdrop of family life and the evolving nature of love. Through the lens of Élise's life and experiences, the book explores themes of identity, societal norms, and emotional turmoil. The opening of the novel introduces us to a narrator who observes the world around him while attending a table d'hôte in Granville. He describes a couple whose conversations spark his curiosity, particularly about a mysterious and melancholy young woman named Élise. As the narrator reflects on his surroundings and his tendency to watch rather than engage, we learn that Élise is a central figure within a societal web that includes her family and acquaintances. The narrative sets the groundwork for a deeper exploration of Élise's character, relationships, and the events that will shape her life, hinting at her complexity and the significant events that will unfold.
Nymphes dansant avec des satyres
"Nymphes dansant avec des satyres" by René Boylesve is a collection of eight stories published in 1913. Departing from his usual contemporary settings, Boylesve draws from biblical tales, mythology, history, and literature to craft these narratives. The stories explore themes of desire, obsession, and human nature through diverse scenarios—from Renaissance Venice to ancient lands. Characters face moral dilemmas and transformative encounters that reveal the complexities of love, devotion, and human folly across different eras and civilizations.
La marchande de petits pains pour les canards
"La marchande de petits pains pour les canards" by René Boylesve is a collection of eighteen short stories published in 1913. The collection takes its name from its opening tale about an elderly bread seller in the Bois de Boulogne. Through these brief narratives, Boylesve explores the lives of ordinary people—servants, workers, retirees, and couples—capturing their quiet struggles, small revelations, and the often-overlooked moments that reveal human nature and social class divisions in early twentieth-century France.
Feuilles tombées
"Feuilles tombées" by René Boylesve is a posthumous collection first published in 1927. Drawn from the author's private notebooks and loose pages, these reflections and short texts reveal intimate secrets of Boylesve's emotional life. The work discloses his platonic yet profound attachment to a real woman who inspired a character in his fiction, and his deep connection to certain places. Originally edited with discretion, a more complete 1947 edition removes earlier restraints, offering fuller glimpses into the writer's inner world and sentiments he intended as his posthumous legacy.
Mon amour
"Mon amour" by René Boylesve is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the emotional complexities of love and relationships, particularly focusing on the character of Madame de Pons, who is caught in a tumultuous marriage. The story reflects on themes of devotion, loss, and the intricate psychology of affection. At the start of the novel, the protagonist journeys to Avignon, where he reflects on both art and personal experiences. This period of introspection leads him to contemplate Madame de Pons and her troubled marriage to a man who is abandoning her for a mistress. As he navigates his feelings and the societal norms surrounding love and fidelity, he grapples with his admiration for Madame de Pons and the turmoil of her circumstances. The opening sets a tone of longing and complexity, hinting at an evolving relationship between the characters against the backdrop of societal expectations.
Les deux romanciers
"Les deux romanciers" by René Boylesve is a collection of six short stories published in 1926 after the author's death. The title story explores two contrasting novelist friends—one optimistic and seemingly superficial, the other pessimistic and reflective—whose opposing temperaments shape their literary works. The collection examines themes of love, marriage, deception, and modern life through varied narratives, including tales of adultery, technological obsession, social convention, and family relationships. These stories, written between 1903 and 1925, offer glimpses into early twentieth-century French society and human nature.
Les nouvelles leçons d'amour dans un parc
"Les nouvelles leçons d'amour dans un parc" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1924. This sequel follows Jacquette de Chamarande into adulthood through four interconnected episodes. As a young woman, she navigates romantic idealism, the complexities of marriage, and philosophical lessons about love. Set in a château between Anjou and Touraine, the novel traces Jacquette's journey from literary infatuation to matrimony, exploring the tensions between romantic imagination and married life with wit and subtle observation.
Le dangereux jeune homme
"Le dangereux jeune homme" by René Boylesve is a collection of thirteen short stories published in 1921. The stories explore the complexities of human relationships, focusing primarily on women's characters and the evolving social dynamics of post-World War I France. From young lovers at seaside resorts to married couples navigating deception and misunderstanding, each tale reveals the subtle tensions, misconceptions, and emotional intricacies that shape everyday life. Boylesve examines how people deceive themselves and others in matters of love, marriage, and social propriety.
Le meilleur ami
"Le meilleur ami" by René Boylesve is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Henri, a young lawyer, and his complicated feelings for Bernerette de Chanclos, the daughter of a noble family. As they navigate their friendship amid changing social dynamics and the allure of new romantic interests, the novel explores themes of unacknowledged love, social expectations, and the bittersweet passage of time. At the start of the narrative, Henri reminisces about his youth while walking through a familiar avenue. He reflects on his playful interactions with Bernerette and their mutual enjoyment of a costumed ball, revealing the depth of his feelings for her, which he has yet to acknowledge. Their friendship is set against a backdrop of changing landscapes, symbolizing the transience of youth and the encroaching reality of adulthood and social obligations. Henri's internal struggle becomes apparent as he grapples with jealousy and unspoken emotions, particularly regarding Bernerette's newfound interest in the charming Claude Gérard. The opening establishes a rich emotional complexity, setting the stage for the unfolding drama as Henri attempts to navigate his relationship with Bernerette amid the evolving tides of their lives.
Madeleine, jeune femme
"Madeleine, jeune femme" by René Boylesve is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young woman named Madeleine who finds herself in a marriage of convenience, feeling a deep sense of regret and nostalgia as she embarks on her new life. The narrative explores themes of societal expectations and the struggle between personal desires and familial obligations. The opening of the novel introduces us to Madeleine on her wedding day, a moment she dreads rather than celebrates. As she reflects on her past and the circumstances leading to her marriage to an architect named Achille Serpe, she reveals her discontent. The passage highlights her inner turmoil, focusing on her feelings of resignation rather than excitement as she contemplates her life choices. The initial chapters set the stage for her journey, intertwining her experiences of marriage with her yearning for self-discovery and the challenges of adapting to a new role in society.
La jeune fille bien élevée
"La jeune fille bien élevée" by René Boylesve is a French novel published in 1909. The story follows Madeleine, a young woman whose monotonous life is briefly interrupted by unrequited love. When financial constraints limit her marriage prospects, she accepts a proposal from an architect who wants her solely because she is "a well-bred young lady." Torn between her emotions and her upbringing, Madeleine must conform to social expectations and enter a loveless marriage of convenience.
Le bonheur à cinq sous
"Le bonheur à cinq sous" by René Boylesve is a collection of twenty-five short stories published in 1917. Set largely during and after World War I, these tales explore human nature through intimate moments: soldiers in trenches, families coping with loss, romantic misunderstandings, and unexpected acts of kindness. From blind veterans to matchmaking servants, from war widows to mischievous children, Boylesve captures the resilience, folly, and tenderness of ordinary people navigating extraordinary times. Each story reveals how life's small dramas continue even amid history's greatest upheavals.
Le parfum des îles Borromées
"Le parfum des îles Borromées" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1898. Set in September at Lake Maggiore's Hotel Stresa, the story follows Gabriel Dompierre as he experiences an intense romance with the beautiful Luisa Belvidera. Their passionate affair faces complications when her husband arrives. Meanwhile, other hotel guests navigate their own romantic entanglements, including an English artist devoted to Schopenhauer's philosophy and a flower merchant consumed by unrequited love. As summer ends, the vacationers depart, leaving behind memories of passion and heartbreak.
Mademoiselle Clocque
"Mademoiselle Cloque" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1899. Set in 1880s Tours, France, it follows a seventy-year-old idealistic spinster who becomes consumed by a religious dispute over rebuilding a grand basilica dedicated to Saint Martin. Rigid in her convictions, she sacrifices her niece's happiness and promising marriage over the controversy, refusing any compromise with those favoring a modest church. The novel portrays her unyielding battle against opportunism and hypocrisy, ultimately depicting idealism's defeat by practical realities.
La Becquée
"La Becquée" by René Boylesve is a largely autobiographical novel published in 1901. A five-year-old boy narrates life on his great-aunt Félicie's estate in Touraine during the 1870s. The family lives off Félicie's hospitality, receiving "la becquée"—being fed and housed. But Félicie is dying, and her relatives worry selfishly about their inheritance rather than her health. She initiates young Riquet into estate management, hoping to secure the land's future while observing the petit bourgeois manners around her.
Le Médecin des Dames de Néans
"Le Médecin des Dames de Néans" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1896. In a sleepy French provincial town, the doctor observes the bourgeois women suffering from mysterious languor and devises an unconventional cure: orchestrating an affair for the listless wife of a notary. What begins as a prescribed romance evolves into jealousy, passion, and tragedy as multiple characters become entangled in forbidden desires, challenging the town's conservative morality with unexpected consequences.
La carrosse aux deux lézards verts
"La carrosse aux deux lézards verts" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1920. This modern fairy tale follows twin sisters Gillette and Gillonne, who are raised by two mysterious governesses with opposing philosophies—one optimistic, one pessimistic. When the sisters disappear on extraordinary travels, their parents face accusations of sorcery. Through this enchanted story, Boylesve critiques early twentieth-century society's excessive embrace of technology and modernism, reflecting his disillusionment following World War I.
Sainte-Marie-des-Fleurs: Roman
"Sainte-Marie-des-Fleurs: Roman" by René Boylesve is a novel published in 1897. André meets Marie in Venice and falls instantly in love, but she is already engaged through family arrangement. Back in Paris, they confess their feelings, yet André loves the dream of Marie more than the woman herself. Social barriers and conflicting emotions create an impossible romance. A duel, an attempted suicide, and Marie's marriage to another man force them toward a painful final decision about their future.