So, what exactly is this book? It's not a novel. 'Les contemporains, première série' (The Contemporaries, First Series) is a collection of literary essays and reviews written by Jules Lemaître in the late 19th century. Think of it as a 'best of' his criticism from that period. He writes about the authors who were his colleagues, rivals, and friends—the rock stars of French literature at the time. We're talking about figures like Émile Zola, Alphonse Daudet, and Paul Bourget.

The Story

There's no traditional plot. Instead, each essay is a deep dive into one author's work and personality. Lemaître acts as your guide, mixing summary with his own sharp analysis. He'll walk you through a writer's major themes, their style, and what he thinks makes them tick. The 'story' is the unfolding of Lemaître's own literary mind as he reacts to the artistic movements swirling around him—Naturalism, Symbolism, and good old-fashioned realism. It's the intellectual journey of one critic trying to make sense of a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Why You Should Read It

Here's the thing: Lemaître is fantastically readable. He's opinionated, clever, and writes with a conversational flair that most academics today can only dream of. You get a real sense of his voice—sometimes admiring, sometimes skeptical, always engaged. Reading these essays is less about learning the 'correct' opinion on Zola and more about witnessing a lively, intelligent conversation. It reminds us that our views on art are never fixed; they're products of their time. Lemaître's insights can be startlingly fresh or charmingly dated, and that contrast is fascinating. He makes criticism feel personal and urgent.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for curious readers who already love 19th-century French literature and want to understand it in its original context. It's also great for anyone who enjoys smart, accessible cultural criticism. If you've ever finished a classic and thought, 'I wonder what people made of this when it first came out?'—this is your answer. It's not for someone looking for a page-turning story, but for a reader who enjoys literary history served with personality and wit. Consider it a masterclass in the art of the review from one of its best practitioners.