Les mariages de Paris

“Les mariages de Paris” by Edmond About is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story opens in a post-revolutionary Paris and introduces the lives of two brothers, Matthieu and Léonce Debay, jettisoned into academia and society, respectively. As they navigate their ambitions and familial ties, themes of love, class, and solid moral values emerge, all under the shifting societal landscape of Parisian life. At the start of the novel, the narrator describes his friendship with the twin brothers, Matthieu and Léonce, revealing their contrasting personalities and aspirations. Matthieu is portrayed as diligent and committed to his scholarly pursuits, while Léonce is captivated by the allure of the Parisian elite and embarks on a quest for a wealthy wife. Their uncle, Yvon, provides for their financial needs, leading to a lifestyle that allows both brothers to pursue their dreams. The story hints at deepening relationships, including Matthieu’s infatuation with Mlle Bourgade, setting the stage for a tale that intertwines personal and societal ambitions against the backdrop of 19th-century Paris.