La poudre aux yeux

by René Boylesve

"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.