Les Roquevillard   By: Henry Bordeaux (1870-1963)

Les Roquevillard by Henry Bordeaux is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics, relationships, and societal expectations. Set in the early 20th century in France, the story follows the Roquevillard family, a wealthy and aristocratic clan with a dark secret that threatens to tear them apart.

The characters in the novel are well-developed and multifaceted, with each member of the family facing their own personal struggles and demons. The patriarch, Count Armand de Roquevillard, is a man torn between his duty to his family and his own desires, while his wife, Countess Diane, grapples with the expectations placed upon her as a woman in society. Their children, particularly their rebellious daughter Juliette, provide a stark contrast to the rigid traditions and norms of their upbringing.

Bordeaux's writing is elegant and evocative, drawing the reader into the opulent world of the Roquevillards and immersing them in the emotional turmoil that lies beneath the facade of their privilege. The novel is a compelling exploration of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature, and raises questions about the nature of identity and the masks we wear in order to fit into societal norms.

Overall, Les Roquevillard is a beautifully crafted novel that offers a poignant and insightful commentary on the nature of family and society. Bordeaux's storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or exploring the intricacies of human relationships.

First Page:

La connaissance de nos origines nous aide à comprendre notre destin, et nous ne pouvons être heureux et bienfaisants qu'en nous développant dans la direction de nos sensibilités naturelles, et en acceptant de prendre rang dans la chaîne des générations qui rattache le passé à l'avenir. Loin de comprimer nos puissances d'agir, la famille et le sol natal leur impriment une direction. Je me souviens de m'être passionné, en lisant Le Play, pour cette famille Mélouga, qui défendit avec acharnement son patrimoine, parce qu'elle confondait son histoire avec celle de la terre. J'avais rencontré en Savoie tant d'aventures semblables! Mais la terre et les morts qui préparent notre sensibilité, nous les emportons dans notre coeur, si nous avons puisé dans la tradition l'essentiel, c'est à dire l'honneur et cette force de vivre que communique le sentiment de la durée incarné dans la famille... Continue reading book >>