A Tale of Brittany (Mon frère Yves)

"A Tale of Brittany" (Mon frère Yves) by Pierre Loti is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story primarily revolves around a sailor named Yves Kermadec and his experiences, reflecting the vastness of the sea and the intimate ties of love and family in Brittany. The narrative captures the essence of a sailor's life with its monotonies and fleeting moments of joy, especially as Yves navigates both his seafaring duties and the feelings of longing for his mother and homeland. The opening portion introduces readers to Yves through his sailor’s pay-book, detailing both his physical attributes and his sailing exploits. It highlights his humble beginnings in Saint Pol-de-Léon and sets the stage for his complex relationship with alcohol and the sea. The narrative then moves to a point twenty-four years later, where Yves is preparing to return home after a long period at sea, expressing a mix of excitement and melancholy about his return to Brittany. This sense of nostalgia is deepened by memories of his mother and the weight of his past experiences, suggesting a poignant exploration of identity and belonging woven throughout the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Pierre Loti was a French naval officer and novelist, known for his exotic novels and short stories.