Paul and Virginia

Published in 1787, 'Paul and Virginia' by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre tells the story of two childhood friends who fall in love but tragically perish in a shipwreck. Set on the island of Mauritius during French rule, the novel critiques the artificiality of upper-class sentimentality, reflecting the author's experiences and observations. Recognized as Bernardin's finest work, it captures the innocence of nature versus the corruption of society, making it a significant literary piece on the eve of the French Revolution.