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Books matching: early 20th century france

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  1. #1
    The Vine Witch
    Book 1 in the series:The Vine Witch

    The Vine Witch - The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith
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    The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith is a historical fantasy novel set in early 20th-century France, revolving around Elena, a vine witch who awakens from a 7-year curse to find her magical abilities weakened. The story follows Elena's journey as she navigates revenge, betrayal, and self-discovery while trying to save the vineyards in Chanceaux Valley. The plot is filled with twists and turns, blending elements of witchcraft, mystery, and romance, creating a magical and enchanting world of vine witches and winemakers.

    The writing style of The Vine Witch is described as captivating and engaging, with a seamless blend of fantasy and reality. Readers were drawn into the story from the very beginning, intrigued by the unique premise of vine witches and the intricate world of spells, potions, and curses. The author, Luanne G. Smith, skillfully weaves a tale of magic, love, and redemption, keeping readers hooked with a well-paced plot and vivid descriptions of the French countryside and winemaking process.

    Her eyes rested above the waterline as a moth struggled inside her mouth. She blinked to force the wings past her tongue, and a curious revulsion followed. The strangeness of it filtered through her t...

  2. #2

    The Vagabond by Colette
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    The book “The Vagabond” by Colette is a story set in early 20th century France, following the life of a woman named Renee who chooses a path of self-reliance as a stage performer. The narrative delves into Renee’s struggles for independence, her past relationships, and her internal conflicts about love and freedom. The book offers beautiful descriptions of places, people, and internal moods, capturing the essence of solitude, freedom, and the complexities of human emotions. Despite being a new translation, some readers found the writing style to be charming and engaging, reflecting Colette’s unique flair in storytelling.

    What’s wrong with me tonight? . . . It’s the glacial December fog, all spangles of frost in suspension, which vibrates around the gas lamps in an iridescent halo, which melts on your lips with a taste...

  3. #3

    Sodom and Gomorrah by Marcel Proust
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    Sodom and Gomorrah, the fourth volume in Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time series, delves into the narrator's exploration of homosexuality and his complicated relationship with Albertine. The book follows the narrator's interactions with various characters, including the Verdurins and the Baron de Charlus, as he navigates society gatherings, jealousy, and self-discovery. Proust's writing style is described as long-winded but lovely, with insightful observations on society and powerful language that captures the intricate layers of human interactions.


  4. #4

    Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter by Simone de Beauvoir
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    Simone de Beauvoir's autobiography, "Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter," delves into her early life, offering a candid look at high French society in the early 1900s. The memoir captures the strict societal norms, male-female disparities, and the academic world that shaped Beauvoir's upbringing. The narrative is enriched by the poignant story of her friendship with Zaza, culminating in a tragic yet impactful conclusion with Zaza's death.

    Beauvoir's writing style in "Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter" is praised for its detailed and insightful exploration of her childhood and adolescence. The book provides a window into French culture during Beauvoir's youth, showcasing her intellectual curiosity, bold self-reflection, and the formation of her ideas about life and love. Through her narrative, Beauvoir offers a nuanced portrayal of her evolving perceptions of her family, society, and personal identity.


  5. #5

    Novels in Three Lines by Luc Sante, Felix Feneon
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    'Novels in Three Lines' by Luc Sante and Felix Feneon is a collection of short news items, originally published in a French newspaper in 1906. The book offers a snapshot of life in France during that time, detailing a wide range of events including accidents, crimes, political disputes, and societal issues. Each entry is precisely crafted in three lines, capturing the essence of the event with brevity and wit. The writing style is described as reminiscent of Japanese senryu, with observations of life that are both cryptic and insightful.

    The book provides a unique insight into the daily occurrences and societal norms of 1906 France through the lens of Felix Feneon's concise and evocative storytelling. Feneon's ability to distill entire stories into just a few lines showcases his talent for efficient and impactful writing. The collection offers a mix of morbid, humorous, and thought-provoking entries that collectively paint a vivid picture of a bygone era, making it a fascinating read for those interested in historical snippets and literary brevity.


  6. #6

    The Arrest of Arsene Lupin - Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc
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    'The Arrest of Arsene Lupin' by Maurice Leblanc is a mystery series following the adventures of a French gentleman thief named Arsene Lupin. The book is a collection of short stories involving Lupin's heists, cons, and mind games, often pitting him against Sherlock Holmes or a similar detective character. The writing style is described as witty, charming, and engaging, with a mix of suspense and humor that keeps readers entertained throughout the stories.

    The plot of 'The Arrest of Arsene Lupin' revolves around Lupin's clever schemes and elaborate thefts, showcasing his intelligence and daring nature as he outwits his adversaries. The stories are filled with twists and surprises, making them engaging and enjoyable for fans of mystery and crime fiction. The character of Arsene Lupin is portrayed as a flamboyant and secretive protagonist, adding depth and intrigue to the narratives.


  7. #7

    Swann's Way by Marcel Proust
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    "Swann's Way" by Marcel Proust is a challenging yet rewarding read that delves into themes of memory, obsession, and love. The book follows a young Marcel as he reminisces about his childhood and experiences a parallel obsession with Swann's daughter, Gilberte. Through lush and poetic language, Proust weaves together narratives of Marcel's first love, Swann's tragic obsession with Odette, and the complexities of memory and consciousness. The book meanders through intricate descriptions of characters, emotions, and surroundings, inviting readers to explore the depths of human experience and introspection.

    FOR A LONG TIME, I went to bed early. Sometimes, my candle scarcely out, my eyes would close so quickly that I did not have time to say to myself: “I’m falling asleep.” And, half an hour later, the th...

  8. #8

    La Gloire de mon pere by Marcel Pagnol
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    Un petit Marseillais d'il y a un siècle: l'école primaire ; le cocon familial ; les premières vacances dans les collines, à La Treille ; la première chasse avec son père... Lorsqu il commence à rédiger ses Souvenirs d'enfance, au milieu des années ci

    ...

  9. #9

    The Guermantes Way by Marcel Proust
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    'The Guermantes Way' by Marcel Proust is the third volume in the series 'In Search of Lost Time'. The book follows the narrator's journey into high society, where he becomes obsessed with the Duchesse de Guermantes. Through detailed descriptions of social events, the book explores themes of snobbery, hypocrisy, and the disillusionment of the narrator with the aristocracy. Proust's writing style is described as dense, layered, and challenging, requiring readers to slow down and immerse themselves in the rich prose.

    THE twittering of the birds at daybreak sounded insipid to Françoise. Every word uttered by the maids upstairs made her jump; disturbed by all their running about, she kept asking herself what they co...

  10. #10
    The Yellow Dog
    Book 6 in the series:Maigret

    The Yellow Dog - Maigret by Georges Simenon
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    'The Yellow Dog' by Georges Simenon is set in a small Breton fishing port, where Commissaire Maigret investigates a series of violent incidents involving the peripheral characters of the town. The plot unfolds with mysterious shootings, poisonings, and disappearances, all while Maigret maintains his passive and observant demeanor, allowing the events to unravel around him. As the story progresses, the intricate plotting and atmospheric sense of place create a moody backdrop, leading to a satisfying and clever resolution of the case, ultimately revealing Maigret's unique approach to justice and judgement of the bourgeoisie in the town.

    They have no shutters, but through their murky greenish panes the figures inside are just barely visible. Huddled in his booth less than a hundred metres away, the customs guard stares enviously at th...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Maigret )

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