Subject
Swiss fiction (French) Books
Best books
Dora Melegari
Expiation
"Expiation" by Dora Melegari is a novel written in the late 19th century. It revolves around themes of love, isolation, and the struggle between personal desire and moral obligation. The story follows Thérèse, a woman who navigates her sorrowful past and strained familial relationships, particularly with her father, and her new life at her cousin Renée's home, where her emotional journey unfolds. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Thérèse as she grapples with the aftermath of her father's death and her impending departure from her childhood home. Having lost her family ties and feeling isolated, she accepts Renée’s invitation to stay at her château. Here, Thérèse experiences a complex emotional landscape, characterized by lingering feelings of loneliness and regret over her family's tragic history. Thérèse observes Renée's youthful innocence and their contrasting life experiences, while Renée's growing friendship with her husband Robert hints at potential romantic entanglements that may complicate their lives. As the narrative progresses, the interplay between love, duty, and social norms begins to take shape, laying the foundation for the themes that will be explored throughout the novel.
Victor Snell
Le Jardin de Marrès par Bérénice
"Le Jardin de Marrès" by Victor Snell is a reflective novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around the protagonist's relationship with the enigmatic figure, Marrès, as they reconnect before the outbreak of World War I. The book explores themes of friendship, intellectual discourse, and the impending chaos of war, emphasizing the personal and philosophical implications of their conversation. In the story, the narrator recounts a serendipitous reunion with Marrès in a Paris tram just days before the war begins. Their ensuing dialogues blend elements of personal nostalgia, the weight of historical consciousness, and the philosophical undercurrents surrounding their lives and the unfolding conflict. As Marrès discusses his thoughts on duty and sacrifice, the narrator observes the complexity of his character, juxtaposing the intellectual pursuits of their dialogues against the backdrop of a society on the brink of turmoil. Through these interactions, the book reflects on the depth of human connection amidst external chaos and the importance of introspection during tumultuous times.
Victor Tissot
Simone: Histoire d'une jeune fille moderne
"Simone: Histoire d'une jeune fille moderne" by Victor Tissot is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story appears to center around the life of a young girl named Simone, exploring her personal journey against a backdrop of domestic life, societal expectations, and familial relationships. As the title suggests, the narrative promises a modern take on the experiences and challenges faced by women of that era. The opening of the novel introduces M. Gosselet, a doll manufacturer, who is caught up in his thoughts about business and the innovations he has made, such as dolls with replaceable eyes. We see his interactions with his gardener, Tant-Seulement, demonstrating the dynamics of social class and labor in this setting. Gosselet's observations lead him to reflect on the lives of the women around him, including his daughter, Simone. As the narrative progresses, we catch glimpses of Simone's ambitions, her relationships, especially with a young engineer named André Bamberg, and the complexities of love, duty, and independence while navigating the expectations set upon her by her father and society at large.
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