Author
Octave Mirbeau
1848-1917
Octave Mirbeau (1848-1917) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Octave Mirbeau
A Chambermaid's Diary
"A Chambermaid's Diary" by Octave Mirbeau is a novel published in 1900. Presented as the diary of Célestine, a chambermaid, the work exposes the hidden perversions and hypocrisies of French high society through the eyes of a servant. As she moves between households, Célestine witnesses the moral corruption of the wealthy classes, ultimately concluding that "decent people" are often more vile than criminals. Mirbeau's subversive narrative denounces domestic service as modern slavery while challenging traditional novel conventions.
Calvary: A Novel
"Calvary: A Novel" by Octave Mirbeau is a novel published in 1886. This largely autobiographical work follows Jean Mintie, a aspiring writer consumed by sexual obsession and tormented by a destructive affair with a woman of questionable morals. Unable to escape his passion, he descends into humiliated impotence, attempting to transform his suffering into creative expression. His redemptive journey mirrors the Passion of Christ, though his calvary leads not to salvation but to the battlefield of love's casualties.
La 628-E8 Comprenant en annexe le chapitre intégral "Balzac"
"La 628-E8" by Octave Mirbeau is a narrative published in 1907. This unclassifiable work blends travel memoir, fantasy, and social commentary as Mirbeau journeys through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany in his Charron automobile. Neither true novel nor conventional travelogue, the book celebrates both the automobile as a transformative force and the promise of Franco-German friendship for European peace. The narrative also includes controversial chapters about Balzac's death that scandalized readers and were removed after initial printing.
Le Journal d'une Femme de Chambre
"Le Journal d'une Femme de Chambre" by Octave Mirbeau is a novel published in 1900. Through the diary of Célestine, a chambermaid, the work exposes the moral corruption and hypocrisy of the French bourgeoisie. Moving between households, she witnesses the dark secrets behind respectable facades and reveals the degrading conditions of domestic servants—modern slaves subjected to exploitation and humiliation. Her unflinching observations paint a scathing portrait of social inequality, where women servants face particular vulnerability, and even the most lucid rebels risk becoming complicit in the system they despise.
Le jardin des supplices
"Le jardin des supplices" by Octave Mirbeau is a novel published in 1899. This provocative work follows a French political operative sent on a dubious mission to Ceylon, where he encounters the enigmatic Clara, an English woman who guides him through a Chinese torture garden. Through disturbing descriptions and dark humor, the novel explores violence, colonialism, and what Mirbeau calls the universal "law of murder" that underlies all societies. Its deliberately ambiguous tone challenges readers to question civilization, morality, and the boundaries between beauty and horror.
Chez l'illustre Écrivain
"Chez l'illustre Écrivain" by Octave Mirbeau is a play written in the late 19th century. The work revolves around a distinguished but self-absorbed writer, showcasing themes of fame, superficiality, and the dynamics of relationships in the literary world. Through the interactions of the main character—a celebrated author—and those around him, including his valet and a reporter, the text explores social commentary about the nature of celebrity and the literary industry. The opening of the play introduces the illustre écrivain as he lounges in a lavishly decorated bedroom, grumbling about a lack of recognition from his peers. A reporter arrives for an interview, during which the writer reveals his disdain for the public attention his fame attracts, while simultaneously relishing in it. As they converse, it becomes clear that the writer's vanity and self-importance shape both his personality and his relationships, especially with his valet, who ironically critiques his lack of genuine talent. The dialogue sets a humorous yet critical tone that foreshadows the deeper exploration of identity and societal expectations throughout the work.
Le Calvaire
"Le Calvaire" by Octave Mirbeau is a novel published in 1886. This largely autobiographical work follows Jean Mintie, a writer with literary potential who becomes consumed by sexual obsession. Entrapped by a woman of questionable morals, he descends into humiliation and impotence, struggling to transform his suffering into creative fuel. His redemptive passion mirrors the Passion of Christ, though the novel ultimately reveals a darker vision of love as battlefield and its casualties as fallen martyrs.