“Le Grand Meaulnes” is the sole novel by Alain-Fournier, published in 1913 when he was just twenty-seven, shortly before his death in World War I. The story follows young Augustin Meaulnes as he arrives at a village school in Sainte-Agathe, boarding with the headmaster’s family. The narrative is presented through the eyes of François Seurel, the headmaster’s son, capturing the transition from childhood to adulthood. François reflects on his nostalgia, regrets, and memories of Augustin and the enchanting Yvonne de Galais. In this unique translation by Jennifer Hashmi, the poetic style of the original is preserved, along with Alain-Fournier’s use of ellipses that suggest more than is explicitly stated, enhancing the novel’s mysterious quality. This translation is particularly beneficial for students, as it conveys not just the text's meaning but also its emotional atmosphere. For nearly a century, this captivating novel has drawn readers into the everyday world seen through the perspectives of François, the dreamer, and Meaulnes, the adventurer, both in search of the ultimate happiness they believe awaits those who dare to seek it.
