Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 22

This volume gathers four of La Fontaine’s lesser‑known prose tales, each penned with his characteristic blend of wit, rhythm, and a touch of mischief. Listeners will find a lively mix of romantic intrigue, gentle satire, and vivid description that feels like a conversation in a candle‑lit salon.

In “The Picture,” a narrator sets the scene of a secluded monastery where a handsome bachelor, a pair of novice nuns, and the playful hand of Cupid converge around a lavish banquet. The story unfolds with clever wordplay, teasing at the thin line between decorum and desire, while never losing its lighthearted charm.

The companion pieces—“The Pack‑Saddle,” “The Ear‑maker,” and “The Mould‑Mender”—turn ordinary objects into stages for moral sketches, each delivering a tidy punchline wrapped in La Fontaine’s melodic prose. Together they offer an engaging listening experience that rewards an ear for subtle humor and elegant storytelling.