Gerfaut — Volume 1

A novel written in the early 19th century, showcasing de Bernard's mastery as a realist author influenced by Balzac. The narrative revolves around the complexities of love, particularly featuring a young man named Octave de Gerfaut, who engages in a passionate but precarious attraction to a married woman, Clemence de Bergenheim. The themes of romantic entanglement and social dynamics within a historical context are likely to resonate throughout the work. At the start of the novel, a young traveler wanders through a picturesque valley in Lorraine, exhibiting both modesty and a hidden sophistication indicative of his true social status. He soon engages with a local shepherd boy while seeking direction to the chateau of Bergenheim. As he presses on, he witnesses a tense confrontation between the baron of Bergenheim and a disgruntled carpenter, demonstrating the baron's imposing nature and social authority. Meanwhile, the narrative juxtaposes this with the introduction of female characters, particularly Clemence, who face their own internal struggles, revealing the intricate layers of emotion and duty that characterize the lives of those surrounding the chateau. With vivid descriptions of the setting and characters, the opening chapters lay a rich foundation for the unfolding drama.