Jean de Thommeray; Le colonel Evrard

In a quiet country enclave near the Seine, an older narrator recounts the moment she first encounters the striking young Jean de Thommeray. Their conversation unfolds amid the gentle woods of Meudon and the rolling hills of Sèvres, where his bright eyes, lively manners, and earnest optimism spark a rare friendship that feels both youthful and timeless. Through their dialogue, listeners are drawn into a portrait of a generation caught between the fading ideals of the Restoration and the rising hopes of a new, more liberal age.

The novel paints the world of early‑19th‑century France with vivid affection—students debating politics in Paris, the stirring influence of literature and poetry, and the lingering romance of Breton nobility. As Jean shares stories of his family’s honor, his literary passions, and a tender, impossible love, the narrative gently explores how personal dreams intersect with the broader currents of history. The first act invites reflection on lingering memories, the sweetness of simple companionship, and the promise that youthful enthusiasm can still illuminate an older heart.