Monsieur Bergeret in Paris

"Monsieur Bergeret in Paris" by Anatole France is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces Monsieur Bergeret, a somewhat reflective and gentle professor, navigating life in Paris alongside his daughter Pauline and sister Zoe, as well as a loyal dog named Riquet. The novel explores themes of social change, familial relationships, and philosophical musings on the nature of life, culture, and humanity's responsibilities. The opening of the novel presents an intimate dinner scene with Monsieur Bergeret at his modest home, highlighting his relationship with his loyal dog, Riquet, and the old servant Angélique. As they engage in familiar banter over dinner, Bergeret reflects on societal traditions and the expectations placed upon individuals of his class, revealing both his kindness and his detachment from rigorous social conventions. This domestic tranquility is soon disrupted by the unexpected arrival of his daughter and sister, signaling the impending changes in their lives, including a move to the bustling city of Paris. The passage sets the tone for a tale rich in observation and reflection, making it clear that the narrative will delve into both personal and larger societal transformations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anatole France was a French poet, journalist, and novelist with several best-sellers. Ironic and skeptical, he was considered in his day the ideal French man of letters. He was a member of the Académie Française, and won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Literature "in recognition of his brilliant literary achievements, characterized as they are by a nobility of style, a profound human sympathy, grace, and a true Gallic temperament".