Author
Rachilde
1860-1953
Rachilde (1860-1953) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Rachilde
Monsieur Vénus
"Monsieur Vénus" by Rachilde is a novel written in 1884. French noblewoman Raoule de Vénérande seeks escape from the suffocating ennui of upper-class life through an unconventional relationship with Jacques Silvert, a poor florist. She transforms him through escalating manipulation, subverting gender roles and sexual morality in her pursuit of pleasure and identity. When jealousy and social transgression collide, the arrangement spirals toward a violent confrontation—and an unsettling conclusion that defies conventional mourning.
La Marquise de Sade
"La Marquise de Sade" by Rachilde is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young girl named Mary who navigates the complexities of her family life, revealing contrasts between innocence and the darker realities of life. Key figures include her strict cousin Tulotte, who enforces discipline, and her father, Colonel Barbe, who struggles with the burdens of military life and a sickly wife. The book sets an intriguing foundation that promises a mix of childhood curiosity and grim adult themes. The opening of the book introduces us to Mary, a seven-year-old girl, and her cousin Tulotte as they traverse a heatwave-stricken landscape toward the town's abattoir. Mary is curious and somewhat defiant, leading to a comedic conflict as she expresses her discomfort and wishes to see the cows. As they reach the abattoir, Mary witnesses the brutal process of slaughtering animals, which deeply affects her. The scene is filled with stark contrasts: the playfulness of childhood curiosity meets the harsh realities of life and death. Mary's emotional turmoil surfaces through her feverish dreams, merging her innocence with haunting fears about mortality and her family dynamics, notably her mother's illness and her father's sternness.
Le Démon de l'Absurde
"Le Démon de l'Absurde" by Rachilde is a novel written in the late 19th century. The work delves into themes surrounding absurdity and the human condition, encapsulated in the experiences and thoughts of its characters, notably Rachilde herself, who grapples with the complexities of life, death, and perception. This introspective narrative evokes a sense of existential dread that challenges societal norms and conventions. The opening of the novel sets a contemplative tone, intertwining philosophical reflections with vivid imagery. It begins with a preface by Marcel Schwob, discussing the concept of the absurd, and introduces the central idea that human existence is fraught with insignificance overseen by a "demon of the absurd." Rachilde’s poetic musings encapsulate her fascination and fear with death, transformation, and the uncanny, while invoking classical references to illustrate the bleakness of reality. Following this, the text transitions to a lengthy poetic piece, "Les Fumées," which portrays the tumultuous relationship between nature, industry, and the ethereal atmosphere of life through a dynamic interplay of light and dark, thus setting the stage for the psychological exploration to follow in the narrative.
La tour d'amour : $b roman
"La tour d'amour" by Rachilde is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers on Jean Maleux, a young man who becomes a lighthouse keeper at the isolated and tumultuous site of Ar-Men, bringing forth themes of isolation, work, and the human condition as he navigates life in this demanding role against nature's forces. At the start of the story, Jean Maleux is introduced as he is formally selected for his position at the Ar-Men lighthouse, a decision based on his apparent potential despite his troubled past. He recalls his nerves and the strict assessments made by the authorities as he prepares for this new chapter in life. The opening details his initial excitement and ignorance about the severe challenges that await him, notably the responsibility of maintaining the beacon while facing the relentless ocean and his eccentric superior, Mathurin Barnabas. The tone sets the stage for an exploration of Jean's inner thoughts and the intricacies of living in solitude while serving at a lighthouse, framing his reflections on existence against the backdrop of the sea's omnipresent chaos.
Refaire l'amour : $b roman
"Refaire l'amour : roman" by Rachilde is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around themes of desire, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships, primarily through the introspective journey of an unnamed male protagonist as he navigates his feelings for a mysterious woman. It explores the nature of love and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The opening of the novel introduces us to a man reflecting on his obsessive desire for a woman who has seemingly distanced herself from him. He grapples with feelings of unworthiness, questioning the seriousness of love and the pain of separation. As he wanders through Paris, he encounters various images and colors that evoke his artistic nature, revealing his longing and the emotional weight he carries. This portion sets the stage for a deep exploration of love's complexities, loneliness, and the pursuit of connection, focusing on the protagonist's internal struggles and the significant impact of a chance encounter with a young woman characterized by her strikingly beautiful mouth.
L'heure sexuelle : $b roman
No description available.
Le dessous : $b roman
"Le dessous : roman" by Rachilde is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Marguerite, a young woman navigating her dull and sheltered life, filled with literary escapism and societal expectations. The opening chapters explore her introspective thoughts and her interactions with the natural and social world around her, reflecting on beauty, order, and the expectations placed upon women during this time. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Marguerite, who is found in her pristine room, often lost in the books she reads, which serve as both an escape and a source of discomfort. While contemplating her surroundings and her family's expectations, she steps outside to admire the lush gardens of Flachère. This seemingly idyllic setting quickly shifts when she encounters an enigmatic figure—initially mistaken for a scarecrow—who turns out to be a man in search of sustenance. Their interaction hints at underlying tensions between societal classes and personal desires, setting the stage for further exploration of deeper themes of social order, identity, and rebellion against the norms that dictate their lives.
La souris japonaise : $b roman
"La souris japonaise : roman" by Rachilde is a novel written in the early 20th century. It presents a first-person confession by a young bourgeois man, Henri, who frames an eventual “crime” as a moral act while recounting his formation between an exalted, chaste bond with his Jesuit tutor, Abbé Armand de Sembleuse, and a clandestine, troubling entanglement with his cousin, Lucienne Morin. The story probes desire, purity, and bourgeois hypocrisy through a psychological lens. The opening of the novel finds Henri addressing his lawyer, insisting his “crime” is a useful, logical outcome of his life, then retracing his upbringing: distant, respectable parents; a corrosive household atmosphere; and the arrival of the elegant Abbé Armand as preceptor. As Lucienne imposes herself on him, Armand disapproves and gradually binds Henri to a demanding ideal of purity; their intense, platonic attachment culminates in an Italian journey that heightens both devotion and perilous jealousy. Back home, amid a provincial ball and family expectations of marriage, Henri grows more alienated; ill health follows, and his parents push for a prudent future. The section ends with a confrontation in which Henri’s father announces Lucienne’s pregnancy and implies Henri is responsible, while Henri flatly denies it, invoking what Armand knows of the truth.