Original Short Stories — Volume 05

audiobook

Original Short Stories — Volume 05

by Guy de Maupassant

EN·~3 hours

Chapters

Description

In this lively anthology, everyday moments in turn‑of‑the‑century Paris come alive through keen observation and subtle humor. The opening tale follows a weary father who, despite the strain of a demanding household, finds fleeting joy in the simple game of tossing his son into the air on a bustling boulevard. The scene captures the clash between public affection and private tension, as the protagonist navigates a demanding wife, a cynical servant, and the ticking clock that governs his routine. Through these intimate vignettes, the stories reveal how ordinary gestures can expose deeper longings and frustrations.

Across the collection, the translated sketches range from tender family snapshots to sharp social commentaries, each rendered with a gentle, observant tone. Readers will encounter characters whose private anxieties echo the broader concerns of a rapidly changing society, all while retaining a warm, human touch. The prose invites listeners to pause, reflect, and smile at the small dramas that shape everyday life.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~3 hours (215K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by David Widger

Release date

2004-10-03

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Guy de Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant

1850–1893

Best known for sharp, unsettling stories like "Boule de Suif" and "The Necklace," this French master of the short story had a gift for turning everyday life into something surprising, ironic, or quietly haunting. His writing is clear, vivid, and still feels strikingly modern.

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