Alfred Delvau
Au bord de la Bièvre: impressions et souvenirs
"Au bord de la Bièvre: impressions et souvenirs" by Alfred Delvau is a memoir written in the mid-19th century. The book reflects on the author's childhood memories and experiences growing up near the River Bièvre in the Saint-Marceau district of Paris. Delvau explores themes of nostalgia, the impact of environment on personal development, and the simplicity of everyday life. The opening of the memoir begins with the author expressing his appreciation for the influence that one's surroundings have on thoughts and feelings. Delvau shares introspective thoughts about his current state of happiness derived from a new living situation, which contrasts with past romantic entanglements. He fondly recalls his childhood experiences in the faubourg Saint-Marceau, capturing moments of innocence, playfulness, and the complexities of first love, particularly his affection for a young girl named Louisette. The passage sets the tone for a reflective journey that intertwines personal history with the broader context of the place he calls home.