Gerfaut — Volume 1

"Gerfaut — Volume 1" by Charles de Bernard is a story set in the early 1800s, penned by a realist writer who was inspired by Balzac, that explores the difficult sides of love, especially through a young guy, Octave de Gerfaut, who falls hard for a married woman, Clemence de Bergenheim. The story begins with a lone traveler making his way through a pretty valley in Lorraine, and the early chapters set up the scene and show us the characters who face struggles and choices that define their lives. The story paints a picture of the love, social interactions, and the times in which the novel is set. We are also introduced to Baron who displays his power and authority with a disgruntled carpenter.