Hélène Frappat : "'Fantômette' pose la question de Kant : qu'est-ce que l'Homme ?"

Henry James's "What Maisie Knew" is a poignant novel that explores the devastating effects of divorce on a young girl. Maisie Farange becomes a pawn in her parents' bitter custody battle, forced to navigate a world of adult selfishness and manipulation. Through Maisie's innocent eyes, James critiques the moral failings of the adults around her, highlighting the emotional neglect and exploitation she endures. The novel is a powerful indictment of societal hypocrisy and a testament to the resilience of childhood innocence in the face of adversity.

Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Master of Ballantrae" is a historical adventure novel centered on the complex relationship between two brothers, James and Henry Durie. Set against the backdrop of the Jacobite uprising in 18th-century Scotland, the story explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive nature of long-held grudges. James, the charismatic yet unscrupulous elder brother, becomes embroiled in intrigue and adventure, while Henry remains at home, burdened by duty and resentment. The novel is a gripping tale of family conflict and the enduring power of the past.

Edgar Allan Poe's "The Purloined Letter" is a seminal detective story featuring the brilliant C. Auguste Dupin. Dupin is tasked with recovering a stolen letter of great importance to a prominent lady. The thief, a government minister, has brazenly hidden the letter in plain sight within his own chambers. Dupin's unique method involves understanding the criminal's psychology and employing unconventional methods to retrieve the letter, which is found by simply observing what is most obvious but overlooked by others.

Belle du Seigneur, published in 1968, is a novel by Albert Cohen that tells the story of Solal, a charismatic and successful civil servant of the League of Nations, and his passionate yet complicated love affair with Ariane Deume, a married non-Jewish woman. The novel is part of a larger autobiographical fiction series by Cohen and explores themes of love, identity, and the struggle between Jewish roots and social status. It is known for its satirical portrayal of societal norms and its deep exploration of human emotions and relationships.

Published in 1857, 'Madame Bovary' is a seminal work of literary realism that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who marries Charles Bovary, a dull and unambitious doctor. Emma's life is marked by boredom, romantic fantasies, and a series of ill-fated love affairs with men like Rodolphe and Léon. Her inability to distinguish between her romantic ideals and the harsh realities of her life leads to financial ruin, public scandal, and ultimately, her tragic demise. The novel is renowned for its masterful writing, detailed psychological insights, and its critique of bourgeois provincial life.

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.