
In a quiet country home, Mr. and Mrs. Gargilier grapple with the incessant tears and whims of their two children, Simplicie and Innocent. The father, weary of the constant fuss, decides the only cure is a winter stay in Paris, despite the family’s modest means. His wife objects, fearing the cost and the unknown city, yet she cannot sway his resolve. The children, especially the stubborn Simplicie, cling to the dream of bright streets and clean sidewalks, while Innocent remains indifferent.
To make the plan work, the Gargiliers enlist their faithful maid, Prudence, to escort the youngsters to the bustling capital, where a stern aunt and a demanding boarding school await. The journey promises a clash between rural simplicity and urban rigor, testing the children’s patience and adaptability. As the carriage rolls toward the train station, both parents wonder whether the harsh lessons they envision will indeed temper their children’s caprices.
Language
fr
Duration
~5 hours (302K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-09-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1799–1874
A Russian-born French countess who became one of the best-loved writers for children, she is still remembered for lively, moral, and often mischievous stories like Sophie's Misfortunes. Her books helped shape 19th-century French children's literature and have stayed in print for generations.
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