Books like En l'absence des hommes by Philippe Besson
In the mid‑summer of 1916, Paris is sparsely populated by men, all swept up in World War I. Youthful aristocrat Vincent, a privileged 16‑year‑old, walks the city’s salons, struggling to maintain his innocence while two influential men fall under his spell. Marcel, a celebrated writer in his thirties, and Arthur, a 21‑year‑old soldier and son of a servant, both form intimate connections with Vincent—emotional and physical alike.
As the war rages, Vincent’s relationships test the boundaries of desire and loyalty. The novel follows his internal conflicts, the secret ties he forges, and the inevitable loss of childhood innocence, all set against the backdrop of an empty, war‑torn Paris.
First publish date: 2001
Genre: Historical Fiction/20th Century Historical Fiction
Authors: Philippe Besson
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