Subject
France -- Social life and customs -- 18th century -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry James
Gabrielle de Bergerac
"Gabrielle de Bergerac" by Henry James is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book appears to explore the intricacies of love, social standing, and personal ambitions, centered around the character of Mlle. de Bergerac and her relationships with her nephew, the Chevalier, and her suitor, Gaston de Treuil. The story is poised to delve into themes of duty, desire, and the impact of historical change on personal lives amidst the backdrop of the approaching French Revolution. The opening of "Gabrielle de Bergerac" sets a reflective tone, featuring a conversation between the narrator and the elderly Baron de Bergerac. The Baron reminisces about his past and presents his aunt, Mlle. de Bergerac, often depicted in a beloved portrait, as a central figure in his life. As the narrative progresses, readers are introduced to various characters, including Pierre Coquelin, a tutor who becomes closely intertwined with the family, and a blend of humor and melancholy surrounds their lives in rural France. The dynamics of love, especially the budding affections in a tumultuous societal context, begin to unfold, hinting at the complexities of the characters' relationships and the historical events that shape their fates.
Claire de Durfort Duras
Edouard
"Edouard" by duchesse de Claire de Durfort Duras is a novel written in 1821 or 1822 and published in 1825. It tells the story of an impossible love between Édouard, son of a wealthy bourgeois, and the Duchess of Nevers. Though drawn to each other, their relationship faces an insurmountable barrier: social class difference. When Édouard's guardian refuses permission for their marriage due to his common birth, tragedy follows both lovers. Recognized as an attack against class prejudices, it remains Duras's second novel within the Romantic movement.
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