Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant is about the irresistible ascension of Georges Duroy, a provincial man from a modest background who is extremely ambitious. Following his reunion with one of his old friends, Georges Duroy is introduced to the world of journalism and becomes a columnist for La Vie Française where he gains the favours of his boss, the powerful Mr. Walter, with the help of Madeleine Forestier, his friend's wife, whom writes Duroy's articles. Using his charms, he seduces the most influential women of Paris (Clotilde de Marelle, Madeleine Forestier and Mrs. Walter.).
In this novel, the author develops a critic of the 19th century Parisian society. Maupassant's writing style is a balance between realism and naturalism which allows him to insert poetry within his prose.
Electrifying, intelligent, and intriguing but also captivating, pessimistic, and rhythmic, such are the adjectives that I use to describe Guy de Maupassant's novel in terms of narrative, style, and dialogues as well as characterization, places, and themes.
Bel-Ami is a masterpiece of French literature.
Maupassant, G. de, Bel-Ami, Paris, Pocket classiques, 2018.