La Jeune Fille Bien Élevée

''La jeune fille bien élevée'' by René Boylesve is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Madeleine, who reflects on her childhood experiences in Chinon. The book explores themes of social propriety, family dynamics, and the expectations placed upon women, particularly through the lens of Madeleine's upbringing and education. The opening of the novel introduces the picturesque town of Chinon, where the narrator reminisces about her childhood home and her family's life. We learn about Madeleine's grandparents, primarily her strict grandmother, who has set clear expectations for Madeleine's future, including her education and conduct as a young lady. The narrative captures the environment of the town and the genteel societal norms of the time, giving readers a glimpse into the pressures that accompany the pursuit of a ''proper'' upbringing. As the story unfolds, Madeleine’s interactions with notable family friends, such as M. Vaufrenard, and her eventual enrollment in a religious institute signal the beginning of her journey toward becoming the ''well-bred girl'' her family aspires for her to be.