Author
Claude Farrère
1876-1957
Claude Farrère (1876-1957) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Claude Farrère
Bêtes et gens qui s'aimèrent
"Bêtes et gens qui s'aimèrent" by Claude Farrère is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. It focuses on the bond between humans and animals through the lens of a narrator’s experiences with a cat named "Chat-Comme-Ça." This charming narrative explores themes of companionship, loss, and the complexities of life from an animal's perspective. The opening of the novel introduces the narrator's sorrow after the death of his previous cats, leading him to adopt a new and unique kitten. This 'Chat-Comme-Ça' is described humorously as an unassuming and mismatched creature, yet it gradually captures the narrator's affection. The prose is rich with vivid imagery and playful observations as the narrator describes the kitten's early adventures, notable encounters with water, and the beginnings of its character formation. Through these initial experiences, the reader is left with an engaging promise of whimsical yet meaningful insights into the lives of both the narrator and the newfound companion.
L'extraordinaire aventure d'Achmet Pacha Djemaleddine, pirate, amiral, grand d'Espagne et marquis avec six autres singulières histoires
"L'extraordinaire aventure d'Achmet Pacha Djemaleddine, pirate, amiral, grand d'Espagne et marquis" by Claude Farrère is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. This captivating tale revolves around the titular character, Achmet Pacha Djemaleddine, a Circassian chief who rises through the ranks to become a legendary figure in both the Ottoman Empire and Spain. The book promises readers a blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and intrigue, set against a historical backdrop. The opening of the story introduces Achmet's illustrious lineage and the beginning of his journey. It highlights his upbringing in the Circassian clan, the eventual bestowal of his titles, and his relationships with significant historical figures like the Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, and King Francis I of France. The narrative is presented through the voice of a storyteller, setting a grand tone as it unfolds Achmet's early life and the beginnings of his remarkable exploits, positioning him as a key player in a daring plot to rescue the captured King Francis from imprisonment in Spain. The flavor of the tale is enriched with themes of loyalty, honor, and the complexities of cross-cultural alliances.
Les civilisés: Roman
"Les civilisés: Roman" by Claude Farrère is a novel published in 1905 that won the Prix Goncourt the same year. Set in late 19th-century Saigon, the story follows three Frenchmen—a doctor, an engineer, and a naval officer—who indulge in opium, debauchery, and colonial excess. As two of them seek redemption through love, their pasts threaten to destroy any chance at transformation. When war erupts with England, each man faces a drastically different fate in this exploration of morality and consequence.
Les petites alliées
"Les petites alliées" by Claude Farrère is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Célia, a young woman navigating her life as a courtesan in Toulon, and details her interactions with society, including her friendship with the flamboyant marquise Dorée. The narrative explores themes of beauty, desire, and the societal roles of women during that time, painting a vivid picture of Célia's complex existence. At the start of the novel, Célia wakes up late in the afternoon, in a state of disarray, as she prepares to host a tea gathering. Her interactions with her maid, Favouille, reveal her slightly tumultuous but lively nature. Once her friend Dorée arrives, a lively dialogue unfolds, touching upon their past relationships and plans for the evening. The opening sets the tone for a story filled with vibrant characters and social commentary, as Célia reflects on her life and the men who have influenced her, drawing readers into a world of passion and societal expectations.
Dix-sept histoires de marins
"Dix-sept histoires de marins" by Claude Farrère is a collection of maritime tales written in the early 20th century. The stories center around seafaring men and the women who love them, highlighting their unique bond and shared experiences. Through various characters and settings, the work captures the essence of maritime life and the inevitable changes it faces in the modern world. The opening of the collection introduces the reader to the concept of a fading maritime culture through the perspective of a narrator who reflects on the lifestyle and characteristics of sailors. He posits that these men share a distinct identity, shaped by their experiences on the sea, and draws attention to the impending decline of this way of life due to technological advances like the telegraph and steamships. The narrative begins with an intriguing character, Loreley Loredana, an opera-comique singer, who becomes emotionally entangled with the life of a sailor named Malcy. Initially depicted in a lively social setting, their relationship hints at deeper themes of love, loss, and the passage of time in a world increasingly disconnected from its maritime roots.
L'homme qui assassina: Roman
"L'homme qui assassina: Roman" by Claude Farrère is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of Istanbul and follows Colonel Renaud de Sévigné Montmoron, a French military attaché, as he navigates the complexities of diplomatic life while encountering local figures such as Mehmed Djaleddin Pacha. The novel captures themes of culture clash, the decay of the Ottoman Empire, and personal reflection through the eyes of its well-connected protagonist. The opening of the novel introduces us to Colonel Renaud de Sévigné Montmoron on August 13 of an unspecified year, reflecting on his recent presentation to Sultan in Istanbul. He recalls the mundane ceremony, contrasting it with a memorable encounter with Mehmed Pacha, who reminds him of an event from a dozen years prior that involved saving his life. The atmosphere is rich with observations about the diplomatic sphere and the cultural differences between the Turkish and European societies. Through engaging descriptions of the Turkish military and social dynamics, readers gain insight into the colonel's perspective on both his own declining sense of youthful vigor and the larger societal changes occurring in the Ottoman Empire.
La maison des hommes vivants
"La maison des hommes vivants" by Claude Farrère is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is narrated by an elderly man, André Narcy, who is confronting his impending death and has resolved to share a significant Secret with the world that he believes poses a terrible danger to humanity. The opening of the novel introduces Narcy as he grapples with his age and deteriorating health, feeling as though he is on the brink of death at an indeterminate age that could exceed a hundred years. Despite his frailty, he senses an urgent duty to convey his story, which begins with a letter from a colonel that sets off a chain of events leading him to the fort of Grand Cap. The narrative quickly shifts to a tense atmosphere as Narcy embarks on a mission that intertwines with his past, particularly his romantic involvement with a woman named Madeleine, inserting layers of both personal and collective stakes into his final adventure. As he navigates the treacherous landscape, the mystery of his meeting with Madeleine haunts him, while the quest for the Secret looms heavily on his mind.
The House of the Secret (La maison des hommes vivants)
"The House of the Secret" by Claude Farrère is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a mysterious protagonist writing down his last testament and warning of an impending danger, as he anticipates his own death just two days away. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Captain André Narcy, who embarks on a mission that leads him into a series of strange encounters and uncanny events involving the enigmatic Madeleine and an unusual, seemingly supernatural old man. At the start of the story, the narrator introduces himself and expresses the urgency of his message, indicating that a grave danger looms over the individuals he addresses. Subsequently, Captain Narcy receives orders to deliver an important message regarding a potential military operation, sending him on a journey through the gloomy and eerie terrain surrounding Toulon. As he navigates the rugged landscape, revealing his connection with Madeleine and yet to understand their shared past, he becomes engulfed in chilling realizations that intertwine love, mystique, and the impending sense of treachery that hangs like a specter over his fate. The opening chapters evoke suspense and intrigue as the protagonist grapples with the blurred lines between reality and the uncanny, setting the stage for his fateful adventure.
La Bataille
"La Bataille" by Claude Farrère is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the intricacies of the Russo-Japanese War, presenting a narrative that intertwines history and fiction to explore themes of honor, tradition, and cultural clash through its characters, including the Japanese marquis Yorisaka and the French painter Jean-François Felze. At the start of the novel, Jean-François Felze arrives at the home of the marquis Yorisaka in Japan, where he is to paint a portrait of the marquise. The contrast between traditional Japanese elements and Western influences is immediately evident as Felze navigates the beautifully decorated but Europeanized home. As he interacts with the marquise, questions of identity and cultural change arise, highlighting the societal shifts occurring during this period. The initial scenes set the tone for a complex exploration of personal and national identities against the backdrop of a world at war, promising a blend of philosophical dialogue and vivid cultural observations.
Croquis d'Extrême-Orient, 1898
"Croquis d'Extrême-Orient" by Claude Farrère is a collection of travel writings and observations written in the late 19th century. The work explores the author's reflections and experiences as he traverses the East, particularly focusing on the geopolitical tensions and cultural peculiarities of the time, with an emphasis on the rise of Asian powers. This book serves as a narrative that captures a crucial transition period in the region's history, especially concerning European colonial interests. The opening of "Croquis d'Extrême-Orient" sets the stage for a rich examination of the socio-political landscape in Asia around the late 1890s. The author introduces a young French naval officer stationed in the East, who expresses alarm over France's diminishing influence amid rising powers like China and Japan. The narrative begins in Singapore, vividly depicting the bustling city as a gateway to the East, marked by a melting pot of cultures and a hub of economic activity. Farrère's observations highlight the intricate interplay of colonial aspirations, commerce, and the emerging challenges posed by non-Western nations, providing a provocative glimpse into a world on the brink of significant change.
La veille d'armes: Pièce en cinq actes
"La veille d'armes: Pièce en cinq actes" by Claude Farrère and Lucien Népoty is a play written during the early 20th century, specifically set against the backdrop of World War I. The narrative revolves around the lives of naval officers and their loved ones, focusing particularly on Captain de la Croix de Corlaix as he navigates the challenges of impending war while hosting a dinner for his comrades aboard the cruiser "Alma." The story explores themes of duty, love, and the emotional toll of military life. The opening of the play sets a lively and poignant scene in the captain's quarters, filled with a mixture of camaraderie and foreboding tension as the characters enjoy their final evening of peace before possible deployment. Captain Corlaix delivers a heartfelt toast that acknowledges the sadness of their situation, highlighting the emotional weight carried by the officers, especially as they prepare for an uncertain future. The dinner table becomes a microcosm of their fears, desires, and relationships, with significant focus on Corlaix's complex feelings toward his wife, Jeanne, and his younger colleague, D'Artelles, who harbors affection for her. As conversations unfold, underlying tensions hint at the personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas that will become central as the narrative progresses, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of love and loyalty amidst the chaos of war.