Paul and Virginia from the French of J.B.H. de Saint Pierre   By: Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (1737-1814)

Paul and Virginia is a captivating novel written by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, originally in French and translated by J.B.H. de Saint Pierre. This enchanting tale takes readers on a journey to the tropical island of Mauritius, painting a vivid picture of the idyllic surroundings and the profound bond between two childhood friends, Paul and Virginia.

The story revolves around the lives of Paul and Virginia, who are raised on the island by their respective mothers. As they grow up together, their friendship blossoms into a deep and pure love that transcends time and societal expectations. The author beautifully portrays their innocence and affection, making it the heart and soul of the narrative.

The beauty of the island setting is magnificently described throughout the book. From picturesque landscapes to exotic flora and fauna, readers are transported to this piece of paradise, feeling the warmth of the sun on their skin and immersing themselves in the tranquil and harmonious atmosphere.

However, Paul and Virginia's lives are not devoid of challenges. As they reach adolescence, a series of unfortunate events test the strength of their love and their will to overcome adversity. The author skillfully incorporates moral dilemmas, societal pressures, and the clash between civilization and nature, making the novel not only a tale of love but also an exploration of human nature.

Although some may argue that the plot is predictable and the characters somewhat idealized, it is the underlying themes and the author's masterful storytelling that give this book its enduring charm. Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's profound observations on the complexities of love, loyalty, and self-sacrifice resonate with readers, eliciting a wide range of emotions.

Moreover, the writing style is poetic and evocative, immersing readers in the lush surroundings and the characters' inner worlds. The author's vivid descriptions, combined with rich symbolism, create a deeply immersive reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the book is finished.

In conclusion, Paul and Virginia is a timeless masterpiece that explores the power of love, the allure of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's lyrical prose and the tender friendship between the two protagonists make this novel a true gem of classic literature. It is a must-read for those seeking a heartfelt story that celebrates the beauty of human connections and the indomitable power of love.

First Page:

The following translation of "Paul and Virginia," was written at Paris, amidst the horrors of Robespierre's tyranny. During that gloomy epocha it was difficult to find occupations which might cheat the days of calamity of their weary length. Society had vanished; and amidst the minute vexations of Jacobinical despotism, which, while it murdered in mass , persecuted in detail, the resources of writing, and even reading, were encompassed with danger. The researches of domiciliary visits had already compelled me to commit to the flames a manuscript volume, where I had traced the political scenes of which I had been a witness, with the colouring of their first impressions on my mind, with those fresh tints that fade from recollection; and since my pen, accustomed to follow the impulse of my feelings, could only have drawn, at that fatal period, those images of desolation and despair which haunted my imagination, and dwelt upon my heart, writing was forbidden employment. Even reading had its perils; for books had sometimes aristocratical insignia, and sometimes counter revolutionary allusions; and when the administrators of police happened to think the writer a conspirator, they punished the reader as his accomplice... Continue reading book >>