The Immortal; Or, One of the "Forty." (L'immortel) - 1877

"The Immortal; Or, One of the 'Forty.'" by Alphonse Daudet, explores the intertwined lives of a Parisian family as they grapple with ambition and obligation in a society steeped in tradition. Léonard Astier-Réhu, a historian and member of the Académie Française, finds himself at a crossroads after resigning from his prestigious position. The story follows the challenges faced by Léonard’s family, specifically his son Paul's architectural aspirations, set against the backdrop of their strained domestic life. The tense interactions between Léonard and his wife, coupled with the financial difficulties faced by their son, highlight the contrast between private desires and the rigorous expectations of upper-class Parisian society in the late 19th century, crafting a narrative of sacrifice and unfulfilled dreams.