The Queen Pedauque by Anatole France

Name: The Queen Pedauque
Author: Anatole France

The Queen Pedauque is a novel by Anatole France, published in 1893. The story follows the life of a French aristocrat named Jacques, who is exiled to the countryside after the fall of Napoleon III. There, he becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman named La Queen Pedauque, who is rumored to be a witch. Jacques' obsession leads him on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, as he grapples with his own identity and the changing social landscape of post-Napoleonic France. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a group of traveling actors and a wealthy landowner who is rumored to be in league with the devil. Through Jacques' experiences, France explores themes of identity, class, and the supernatural, challenging the reader to question their own beliefs and values. The novel is known for its lyrical prose and its exploration of the human condition, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.

By Anatole France · First published 1903 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Satire · 25 chapters · 87,729 words

First lines

I intend to give an account of some odd occurrences in my life. Some have been exquisite, some queer Recollecting them, I am myself in doubt if I have not dreamed them. I have known a Gascon cabalist, of whom I could not say that he was wise, because he perished miserably, but he delivered sublime discourses to me, on a certain night on the Isle of Swans, speeches [Footnote: The original manuscript, written in a fine hand, of the eighteenth century, bears the sub-heading "Vie et Opinions de M. l'Abbe Jerome Coignard" [_The Editor_].] I was happy enough to keep in my memory, and careful enough to put into writing. Those speeches referred to magic and to occult sciences, with which people were very much infatuated in my days.

What this Textopian page supports

The Queen Pedauque is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anatole France, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Anatole France
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Adventure
Length: 87,729 words
Structure: 25 chapters, 1,374 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Historical Fiction — The novel is set in eighteenth-century France and features events and ideas from that period.
Philosophical Fiction — The novel discusses various philosophical themes such as religion, the nature of existence, and free will.
Satire — Anatole France uses satire in his character portrayals and social analysis to critique the morals and customs of his time.
Adventure — The protagonist's journey and experiences can be categorized under this genre.