
A strikingly intimate drama unfolds in a centuries‑old castle, where the story is told almost entirely through conversation. The opening notes, penned by George Sand herself, set a reflective tone, reminding listeners that the world of imagination can coexist with the clamor of everyday life. From the first scene, the weary Prince Jules, his devoted preceptor, and the loyal servant Marc exchange witty, sometimes tense dialogue that instantly draws you into their cramped, candlelit chambers.
The cast of characters—Gabriel, the enigmatic grandson; the scheming Count Astolphe; a host of servants, courtiers, and mysterious strangers—revolves around a concealed secret that haunts the aging prince. Their exchanges probe the nature of artistic fantasy, the burden of legacy, and the yearning for purpose in later years. Listeners are invited to linger over the subtle power struggles and the lingering scent of old wine, while the narrative’s elegant, almost theatrical rhythm keeps the intrigue alive without revealing what lies beyond the opening act.
Language
fr
Duration
~3 hours (228K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Renald Levesque and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr
Release date
2004-09-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1804–1876
Bold, independent, and hugely influential, this 19th-century French novelist wrote stories that mixed romance, social criticism, and a deep love of the countryside. She also became famous for living on her own terms and challenging the expectations placed on women of her time.
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