The Sin of Monsieur Pettipon, and other humorous tales

On the elegant liner Voltaire, a fastidious steward named Monsieur Pettipon approaches his duties with the reverence of a poet. He smooths sheets, folds blankets, and polishes mirrors with a meticulous ritual, humming a lilting French refrain as if conducting a symphony of cleanliness. His devotion is driven by a simple dream: to earn enough tips to buy a violin for his teenage son, Napoleon.

Pettipon's imagination turns every cabin into a stage, and his meticulous care earns him the admiration—if not the generosity—of the passengers he serves. From hopeful painters to discerning buyers, each encounter offers a chance for the humble steward to prove his worth and perhaps glimpse the first‑class promotion he craves. Listeners are invited to share his quiet triumphs and comic frustrations as he balances art, ambition, and the relentless search for that perfect tip.