Published in 1889, Le Bilan du Divorce uses fiction to examine a very real and controversial issue of its time. Author Hugues Le Roux, a journalist, clearly wrote this to start a conversation.

The Story

The novel follows Hélène, a young woman whose marriage falls apart. We see her navigate the brutal and very public French divorce process of the era. It's not just about legal paperwork; it's about reputation, money, and navigating a society that loves to judge. The 'balance sheet' of the title refers to the cold calculation of losses and gains—not just financial, but emotional and social—that comes from ending a marriage.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how relevant it still feels. Sure, the corsets and carriages place it firmly in the past, but the core emotions—betrayal, the struggle for independence, dealing with public opinion—are timeless. Hélène is a compelling character because she's caught between her personal desires and the rigid expectations of her world. Le Roux doesn't just present a simple good vs. evil story; he shows the complex, often ugly, fallout for everyone involved.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who enjoy classic novels with social bite, like something by Émile Zola or Thomas Hardy. It's for anyone curious about women's history, legal history, or just a well-told human drama set against a richly detailed historical backdrop. Don't let the publication date scare you off; it's a page-turner that makes you think.