Le dernier vivant

by Paul Féval

"Le dernier vivant" by Paul Féval is a novel published in serial form between 1871-1872. Written shortly after France's 1870 defeat, it follows diplomat Geoffroy de Rœux as he investigates a sinister conspiracy involving his childhood friend, judge Lucien Thibault. When Lucien suffers a mental breakdown after his wife Jeanne is accused of murder, Geoffroy uncovers a web of anonymous letters, false identities, and manipulation. The novel critiques the corruption of military suppliers whom Féval blamed for France's wartime losses.