La Becquée   By: René Boylesve (1867-1926)

La Becquée by René Boylesve is a beautifully written novel that explores the themes of family, love, and sacrifice. Set in rural France, the story follows the protagonist Catherine, a young woman whose life is forever changed when her father falls ill and she must take on the responsibility of caring for her siblings.

Boylesve's writing is poetic and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the French countryside and the struggles of Catherine as she navigates the challenges of raising her siblings while also trying to find love and happiness for herself. The characters are complex and well-developed, with each one adding depth to the story and shedding light on the multiple facets of family dynamics.

The novel is filled with emotion and heartache, but also moments of joy and hope. It is a poignant exploration of the lengths a person will go to for their family and the sacrifices that are sometimes necessary in order to protect those we love.

Overall, La Becquée is a beautifully crafted novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate a thoughtful and moving story about love, family, and the power of sacrifice. Boylesve's writing is masterful, drawing the reader in and keeping them captivated until the very last page.

First Page:

On me dit qu'il est imprudent de publier un roman qui ne traite pas des moeurs de Paris; d'autre prétendent que le roman de moeurs, fussent elles parisiennes, a vécu. Ces opinions m'inquiéteraient beaucoup si je m'étais proposé, en écrivant mon livre, de séduire un certain public; mais, si je m'étais proposé cela, je serais encore bien plus inquiet de la valeur de mon livre... Continue reading book >>