Set in the elegant, leafy suburb of Le Vésinet near Paris, this novel follows the unexpected return of André de la Brèche. After vanishing for two decades, presumed dead, he reappears at his family's doorstep. His wealthy father has recently passed away, and André has one goal: to claim his share of the estate.

The Story

André's homecoming is anything but a happy reunion. His brother, sister-in-law, and the rest of the household see him as an unwelcome ghost from the past, threatening their comfortable lives and social standing. What follows is a battle of wits and wills. André, charming but relentless, uses every trick he can think of to prove his identity and secure his money. The family, equally determined, tries to protect their fortune and reputation. It's a clever game of cat and mouse played out in drawing rooms and gardens, where every polite conversation hides a sharp maneuver.

Why You Should Read It

Tristan Bernard has a fantastic eye for human nature. He writes with a light, ironic touch that makes you chuckle at the characters' vanity and schemes, even as you recognize their very real fears. André is a fascinating character—is he a victim seeking justice, or a cunning opportunist? The book isn't about big, dramatic events; it's about the tension simmering beneath the surface of 'proper' society. It's a brilliant, quiet comedy about greed, family duty, and the masks we all wear.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love character-driven stories with a dash of social satire. If you enjoy authors like Jane Austen for their observations on money and manners, or if you like a good family drama with a legal twist, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a short, smart, and thoroughly entertaining slice of early 20th-century French life that still speaks to us today.