Paul Bourget

Paul Bourget was a French novelist and essayist who reacted against naturalism, initially pioneering the experimental analytical novel. His early works, rich with nuanced studies of manners and characters, captivated Parisian high society seeking a dream of modernity. Bourget later shifted towards the 'thesis novel,' delving into the psychological and moral underpinnings of individual and societal issues. Influenced by his conversion to Catholicism, his writing sought to synthesize faith and science, addressing the social, political, and religious concerns of his era.