
The Honor of the Name
The story revolves around a mysterious crime committed in a small French town. A wealthy and respected citizen is found dead, and the main suspect is his nephew, who stands to gain from the death. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets about the victim's past are revealed, and the true identity of the killer is slowly uncovered.
By Emile Gaboriau · First published 1878 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 55 chapters · 184,362 words
First lines
On the first Sunday in the month of August, 1815, at ten o'clock precisely -- as on every Sunday morning -- the sacristan of the parish church at Sairmeuse sounded the three strokes of the bell which warn the faithful that the priest is ascending the steps of the altar to celebrate high mass.
The church was already more than half full, and from every side little groups of peasants were hurrying into the church-yard. The women were all in their bravest attire, with cunning little _fichus_ crossed upon their breasts, broad-striped, brightly colored skirts, and large white coifs.
What this Textopian page supports
The Honor of the Name is listed on Textopian as a novel by Emile Gaboriau, dated 1878 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Emile Gaboriau
- Date: 1878 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Mystery, Adventure
- Length: 184,362 words
- Structure: 55 chapters, 6,460 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Honor of the Name by Emile Gaboriau
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Honor of the Name?
- How does this novel by Emile Gaboriau fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in a specific historical context (post-Napoleonic France) and explores the social and political dynamics of that era.
- Drama — The narrative focuses on interpersonal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and the struggles of the characters, particularly regarding land ownership and social status.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques social hierarchies, class struggles, and the impact of political changes on rural communities.
- Mystery — Elements of suspense and intrigue are present, particularly surrounding the return of the Duc de Sairmeuse and the reactions of the villagers.
Tags
Mystery · Detective · Crime · Family · Honor · Reputation · Secrets · Deception · Murder · Investigation · Suspense · Thriller
Contents
More by Emile Gaboriau