Ruines et fantômes   By: Jules Claretie (1840-1913)

Ruines et fantômes by Jules Claretie is a haunting and atmospheric novel that transports readers to the dark and desolate landscapes of war-torn France during the late 19th century. The author expertly weaves together a tale of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of crumbling ruins and restless spirits.

Claretie's descriptive prose vividly brings the decaying ruins and ghostly apparitions to life, creating a sense of unease and mystery that pervades the entire novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each grappling with their own personal demons as they navigate the eerie world around them.

While the pacing of the novel can be slow at times, Claretie's attention to detail and evocative language kept me engrossed from start to finish. The themes of memory, trauma, and the scars of war are subtly woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and emotional weight to the story.

Overall, Ruines et fantômes is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will linger in your mind long after you finish the final page. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction and Gothic literature looking for a compelling and atmospheric read.

First Page:

Qui donc a prétendu que les spectres n'existaient pas? Ils sont partout; partout l'homme vieilli rencontre, au détour d'une année qui finit, d'un anniversaire éloquent qui parle du passé, une foule de choses blêmies et perdues à demi dans la brume, et qui sont des spectres en vérité, spectres d'affections ou d'illusions mortes. Que de spectres ainsi logés dans ce Paris que les vivants croient habiter seuls! Dans presque toute chambre, nid clos ou discret, où deux amoureux s'aiment, deux ombres se glissent, qui jadis, à la même place ont échangé aussi leurs baisers ou leurs soupirs... Continue reading book >>