The Bath Keepers; Or, Paris in Those Days, v.2 (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume VIII)

"The Bath Keepers; Or, Paris in Those Days, v.2" by Paul de Kock is a novel written in the early 19th century. This narrative explores the lives of ordinary Parisians, delving into their interactions, struggles, and the societal norms of the time. The plot centers around the characters of Ambroisine and Bathilde, focusing on themes of love, betrayal, and social ostracization as Bathilde seeks refuge and understanding after facing familial rejection due to her circumstances. The opening of the novel introduces a stormy night where Ambroisine anxiously awaits her father, Master Hugonnet, while grappling with the repercussions of her friend Bathilde's recent troubles. After a drunken encounter at home, Ambroisine opens the door to find Bathilde, who has been cast out by her parents for becoming pregnant and is in desperate need of shelter. The emotional tension increases as Bathilde reveals her plight, her love for Comte Léodgard, and the urgent need for acknowledgment from him. This sets the stage for the central conflicts that will unfold throughout the narrative, highlighting the impact of personal choices against the backdrop of societal expectations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Paul de Kock was a French novelist. Although one of the most popular writers of his day in terms of book sales, he acquired a literary reputation for low-brow output in poor taste. In 2021 Brad Bigelow wrote: "Today, if we set aside over-priced print on demand reprints of his ancient editions, the works of Paul de Kock haven't seen a new English edition in at least a century."