Arthur

Name: Arthur
Author: Eugène Sue

By Eugène Sue

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

French Literature Novels

About This Book

A narrator acquires a journal that leads him to a country house with a tragic past: an adulterous affair that culminates in a triple shooting—count, his lover, and their child—committed by the wife's husband, who then vanishes. Through the curé's account and the house's sale the narrator reconstructs intertwined lives of Hélène and others, revealing secrets, social intrigues, and moral contradictions. The narrative moves among portraits, letters, and episodes of romance, jealousy, crime, exile, and redemption, examining the tension between public respectability and private transgression while following consequences for several families and friendships across voyages, legal schemes, and domestic dramas.

About the Author

Eugène Sue

Eugène Sue was a French novelist active in the 19th century, best known for his contributions to the genre of serialized fiction. His most notable work, "The Mysteries of Paris," published in 1843-1845, explores the lives of the underprivileged in Paris and is considered a precursor to the modern detective novel. Sue's writing often delves into social issues and moral dilemmas, reflecting the tumultuous political landscape of his time. He also wrote works such as "A Cardinal Sin" and "A Romance of the West Indies," showcasing his versatility across different themes and settings. His narratives are characterized by vivid characters and intricate plots, making him a significant figure in French literary heritage.