
audiobook
In this lively portrait of a 19th‑century French cavalryman, the narrative opens with Gédéon Flambert, a newly enlisted hussar, whose thoughts are dominated by the relentless ritual of tending to his horse. From dawn‑break trumpet calls to midnight watches, his devotion to the animal is both comical and revealing, offering a window into the absurdities of military routine and the bond between rider and steed. The humor is sharp, as Gédéon’s inner monologue turns everyday chores into grand, almost existential reflections.
The story then peels back to Gédéon’s earlier days in the modest town of Mortagne, where his reputation as a mischievous rogue precedes him. Tales of petty crimes, scandalous romances, and daring escapades paint a vivid picture of a young man restless for adventure, yet somehow drawn into the disciplined world of the cavalry. Listeners will be drawn into this blend of wit, social satire, and the timeless clash between personal impulse and duty.
Language
fr
Duration
~4 hours (278K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images available at The Internet Archive)
Release date
2014-08-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1832–1873
A key early master of detective fiction, he helped shape the modern mystery through fast-moving serialized novels and the cool-headed investigations of Monsieur Lecoq. Writing in 19th-century Paris, he blended crime, suspense, and careful police work in ways that influenced generations of thriller writers.
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