The Confessions of a Century Child

Author: Musset
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The upright and innocent "I," Octave, is a wealthy young man who deeply loved a beautiful woman in his youth but was deceived, suffering a severe blow to his spirit. He became despondent and immersed himself in wine and revelry, unable to extricate himself. During his return to his hometown to mourn his father, he met a woman and was moved by her innocence. Through their subsequent interactions, he grew to find her even more lovely and noble, falling in love again and pursuing her relentlessly.
Brigitte, kind and simple, had been living a quiet and secluded rural life with her aunt after her husband's death. Apart from charitable work, her days were spent reading, playing the piano, and tending to flowers. Over time, she was moved by Octave's genuine affection and fell in love with him, becoming his mistress. As a result, her good reputation in the village was tarnished. After her aunt's passing, she left with Octave for Paris, planning to travel.
Although Octave still deeply loved Brigitte after gaining her, his capricious and irritable temperament often caused her immense suffering. To save Brigitte, he left alone and traveled far away. The Confessions of a Man of the Century is Musset's autobiographical novel and also his breakthrough work.