In "The Weight of the Name," Paul Bourget intricately weaves a narrative that scrutinizes the interplay between identity and societal expectations. This literary exploration captures the inner turmoil of its protagonist, navigating a landscape marked by class distinctions and the burdens of familial legacy. Bourget employs a psychological realism that was pioneering for its time, immersing readers in a reflective prose style characterized by detailed character studies and rich, evocative d...

Cosmopolis - Complete by Paul Bourget libreka classics – These are classics of literary history, reissued and made available to a wide audience. Immerse yourself in well-known and popular titles!

The little drawing-room was illuminated by the soft light of three lamps—tall lamps standing on Japanese vases and bearing globes upon which rested flexible shades of a pale blue tint. The door was hidden by a piece of tapestry; two walls were hung with another piece, which was covered with large figures. Both windows were draped with curtains—drawn just now—of deep red colour and heavy of fold. The apartment thus closed in had a homelike air, which was heightened by the profusion of small...

That night (toward the end of February, 188—) a vast crowd was thronging the halls of the Casino at Monte Carlo. It was one of the momentary occasions, well known to all who have passed the winter season on the Corniche, when a sudden and prodigious afflux of composite humanity transfigures that place, ordinarily so vulgar with the brutal luxury of the people whom it satisfies. The gay madness that breaks out at Nice during the Carnival attracts to this little point of the Riviera the movi...

When a child, I went to confession. How often have I wished that I were still the lad who came at five o'clock into the chapel of our school, the cold empty chapel, with its white-washed walls, its benches on which our places were numbered, its harmonium, its Holy Family, its blue ceiling dotted with stars. We were taken to this chapel in tens. When it came to my turn to kneel in one of the two spaces on either side of the central seat of the priest, my heart would beat violently, and a fe...

'The gates are closed, sir,' said the driver, bending down from his box. 'Closed at half-past nine!' exclaimed a voice from the interior of the cab. 'What a place to live in! You needn't trouble to get down. The pavement's dry—I'll walk.' The door of the vehicle swung open, and a young man stepped gingerly out, pulling the collar of his fur-lined coat a little more closely about his throat. The dainty patent-leather shoes that left just an inch of the embroidered silk socks visible, the pl...

"A Tragic Idyl" is a novel that explores the complexities of love, passion, and morality in the context of 19th-century French society. The story revolves around the lives of two protagonists, André and Marthe, who are drawn together by a powerful and forbidden love.As the plot unfolds, André and Marthe find themselves entangled in a web of desire, jealousy, and betrayal that threatens to destroy their lives and the lives of those around them. Despite their best efforts to resist temptatio...

The novel is a psychological and philosophical exploration of the character Raoul Vignerte, who is a successful and wealthy young man living in Paris. Vignerte is described as a "cosmopolitan" figure, reflecting the attitudes and lifestyles of the upper class in the cosmopolitan city of Paris at the time. The story delves into his inner thoughts and struggles, examining his perceptions of the world and his own place within it.Paul Bourget's "Cosmopolis" is considered a significant work in ...

The novel is a psychological and philosophical exploration of the character Raoul Vignerte, who is a successful and wealthy young man living in Paris. Vignerte is described as a "cosmopolitan" figure, reflecting the attitudes and lifestyles of the upper class in the cosmopolitan city of Paris at the time. The story delves into his inner thoughts and struggles, examining his perceptions of the world and his own place within it.Paul Bourget's "Cosmopolis" is considered a significant work in ...

"A Living Lie" is a novel written by Paul Bourget, a French author known for his psychological fiction and exploration of complex moral and ethical themes. Bourget's works often delve into the inner workings of the human mind and the intricacies of social relationships.In "A Living Lie," readers can expect a narrative that delves into the psychological depths of its characters, exploring themes such as deception, identity, and the consequences of living a falsehood. The novel may follow a ...

The novel tells the story of André Cornélis, a young man who rises to prominence in French society. André is depicted as ambitious and driven, and he navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and morality as he pursues success and social status.As André climbs the social ladder, he encounters various characters and experiences that shape his journey. The novel likely explores themes of ambition, morality, and the pursuit of happiness, as André grapples with the consequences of his acti...

The French Fiction Compendium: 73 Must-Reads offers a sweeping journey through the diverse landscape of French literature, capturing a multitude of voices across centuries. From the idealism and wit of classical tales to the complex emotional tapestries of fin-de-siècle narratives, this anthology showcases an impressive range of literary styles. It brings together short stories, novellas, and excerpts that highlight the dynamism and depth of French fiction, accommodating masterpieces that ...