
In a plush Bellechasse smoking room, three lifelong friends— a disciplined general, a globe‑trotting explorer, and a reflective gentleman of mixed vigor—reconvene after years apart. Their conversation drifts from the comforts of Parisian society to the raw, untamed world their companion has just left, setting a tone that balances camaraderie with an undercurrent of unease.
The explorer, fresh from the African coast, launches into a gripping recount of a nightmarish hunt for a gorilla that turned into a desperate rescue of a young Englishwoman. His vivid description of the jungle’s oppressive heat, the primal strength of the beast, and the fragile humanity caught in its grip draws listeners into a tense clash of civilization and wilderness. The tale unfolds with a blend of scientific curiosity, colonial intrigue, and haunting emotion, promising a story that lingers long after the smoke clears.
Language
fr
Duration
~3 hours (222K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-08-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1859–1913
Known for his vivid, gritty stories of Paris street life, this French playwright and novelist helped shape one of theater’s most notorious stages. He founded the Théâtre du Grand-Guignol, linking his name to naturalist drama and darkly realistic performance.
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