Le Mariage de Mademoiselle Gimel, Dactylographe

by René Bazin

"Le Mariage de Mademoiselle Gimel, Dactylographe" by René Bazin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Evelyne Gimel, a young dactylographer in Paris, who navigates her life and relationships in the bustling city, particularly her budding romance with a lieutenant named Louis Morand. The novel explores themes of love, social class, and the personal aspirations of a working woman in a rapidly changing society. The opening of the novel introduces Evelyne Gimel in a crèmerie where she interacts with Madame Mauléon, highlighting her distinctive features and her diligent nature as a dactylographer. Evelyne is portrayed as both beautiful and practical, aware of the attention she attracts but also conscious of the challenges posed by her modest social position. Concurrently, we learn of her admiration for the lieutenant who frequents the crèmerie and the gossip surrounding their potential romance. The narrative blends the lively atmosphere of Paris with Evelyne's internal thoughts and emotions, setting the stage for her exploration of love and independence as she contemplates the implications of her life choices and the meaning of marriage in her context.