Manon Lescaut

''Manon Lescaut'' is a novel by abbé Prévost, first published in 1731, that narrates the tragic love story between the Chevalier des Grieux and the common woman Manon Lescaut. Their decision to live together without marriage leads to a moral decline, resulting in gambling, theft, and ultimately Manon's death as a deportee. The novel, notable for its realistic portrayal of Paris's low life and its detailed depiction of financial struggles, faced censorship upon release, which only increased its popularity. It is considered a classic of French literature and has inspired numerous adaptations, including operas by Puccini and Massenet.