Le Calvaire

A novel written in the late 19th century. The work delves into themes of despair, societal expectations, and the psychological struggles of its main character, Jean-François-Marie Mintié. The narrative illustrates the complexity of familial relationships and the impact of a troubled childhood, which sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the protagonist's life. The opening of the novel introduces us to the protagonist's early life in the quiet village of Saint-Michel-les-Hêtres, where his birth is overshadowed by tragedy. His recollections reveal the simultaneous innocence and suffering of his childhood, marked by his parents' contrasting personalities: a strict but oblivious father and a fragile mother haunted by her own inner demons. As the story unfolds, we witness the unfolding of Jean's melancholic experience, intertwined with themes of death, neglect, and the longing for love and understanding, hinting at the struggles he will face in adulthood.