Robert Helmont
Aug 2018 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
69
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
Robert Helmont is a novella by French author Alphonse Daudet. It is partly based on Daudet's actual experiences during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, as described in the Preface. Robert Helmont breaks his leg on the day of the start of the war. Unable to flee to Paris ahead of the advancing "Saxons", he decides to hide in an hermitage deep in the Sénart woods. For the next 5 months he has a series of adventures, as told by Daudet in colourful and naturalistic prose. Historically accurate details about costume, architecture, food and mannerisms provide an excellent painting of the time. Hot air balloons, messenger pigeons and late night cut-throat murders lend the novel an air of high adventure, mixed with a love of nature and solitude. (Wikipedia)
About the author
Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) was a French novelist and playwright whose vivid storytelling and keen observations of human nature have left an indelible mark on literature. Born in Nîmes, Daudet moved to Paris at a young age, where he quickly became a central figure in the literary circles of the late 19th century. His works often reflect the complexities of Provençal life, drawing from his own experiences and the rich tapestry of Southern France.Daudet's literary career began with poetry, but he soon found his true calling in prose. His semi-autobiographical novel "Le Petit Chose" (1868) garnered significant attention, but it was "Lettres de mon moulin" (1869) that truly cemented his reputation. This collection of short stories, imbued with warmth and humor, remains beloved for its picturesque depictions of rural life.A contemporary and friend of luminaries like Émile Zola and Gustave Flaubert, Daudet was part of the Naturalist movement, though his work often exhibited a more romantic and sentimental tone. His novel "Tartarin de Tarascon" (1872) introduced readers to one of literature's most endearing and comical characters, a bumbling hero whose adventures satirize the pretensions of the bourgeoisie.Daudet's personal life was as colorful as his fiction. He suffered from syphilis, a condition that not only influenced his writing but also brought him into the orbit of the medical and literary debates of his time. His candid portrayal of illness and suffering in works like "La Doulou" (1897) broke new ground in the depiction of personal pain and vulnerability.Controversially, Daudet's political views and his portrayal of certain ethnic groups have sparked debate among scholars, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of his era. Despite this, his influence on contemporary writers is undeniable, with his masterful blend of realism and romanticism continuing to inspire.Alphonse Daudet remains a fascinating figure whose works offer a window into the soul of 19th-century France, capturing both its charm and its contradictions.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
