
In the bustling cafés of late‑19th‑century Paris, a lively wedding celebration introduces a cast of vivid characters—cheerful lovers, a mysterious little Chebe, and a glittering yet dubious set of pearls. Their conversations reveal the delicate balance between affection and ambition, hinting at the hidden motives that drive each participant. The atmosphere crackles with humor and a touch of melancholy, drawing listeners into the everyday drama of the city’s social circles.
Beyond the festive veneer, the story follows two rival families whose business enterprises dominate the local market. As fortunes rise and fall, personal desires clash with the relentless pursuit of wealth, exposing the fragile line between loyalty and betrayal. Listeners will be swept along by Daudet’s keen eye for detail, feeling the pulse of a world where love, greed, and destiny constantly intersect.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (487K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2004-10-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1840–1897
Best known for bringing the warmth and color of Provence into French literature, this 19th-century writer mixed humor, tenderness, and sharp observation in stories that still feel vivid today. His work ranges from playful sketches and tales to novels with a darker, more realistic edge.
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