Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Start discussion here for The Devil's Pool by George Sand.

Summary from Wikipedia

The novel is first in a series of four pastoral novels by Sand, based on her childhood; it was followed by The novel is first in a series of four pastoral novels by Sand, based on her childhood; it was followed by François le Champi ("The Country Waif, 1847–1848), La Petite Fadette ("Fanchon, the Cricket", 1849), and Les Beaux Messieurs de Bois-Dore) ("The Gallant Lords of Bois-Dor", 1857).

from Loyal Books
George Sand (the pen name of Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin 1804-1876) is famous for flaunting the conventions of behavour expected of women of her standing in France at the time and for her numerous romantic liaisons including her long standing affair with Frédéric Chopin. The Devil’s Pool (published in 1846 as La Mare au Diable) is one of several short pastoral novels drawn from her childhood experiences in the rural French region of Berri. It tells the story of a young widower, Germain, who, at the insistence of his father-in-law, sets out to remarry so that he will have someone to help raise his three young children.

I just started this one today.

Diane wrote: "I just started this one today."

I've read 3/4 of it, or maybe all of it. It's hard to tell because she begins describing the place and the people, then tells their story, and then describes an event. I'm at that event, and it feels more journalistic (like the first part) than part of the story. Is it an epilogue? I can't quite figure it out.

I have Sand's book Indiana, but I've never gotten around to reading it. I thought I would use this little book as a sort of gauge as to whether I will pick up Indiana. And now, I still don't know. It all seemed a little simplistic (nothing wrong with that), but predictable.

Overall, a short and somewhat dull and predictable story. The title suggested something a bit more sinister. I did really like the descriptions of wedding traditions and customs in rural France. It was a nice glimpse into the culture of the time and place.

Diane wrote: "Overall, a short and somewhat dull and predictable story. The title suggested something a bit more sinister. I did really like the descriptions of wedding traditions and customs in rural France. It..."
Agree with you Diane! I think I was expecting more. Given the age I thought it would be more like Thomas Hardy but the author intruded into the story. (still waiting for the Massie one to arrive from the library!)

I read this book in French and am not sure how well it was translated. This is a different type of book from Indiana, more relaxed and calm and not dramatic. She spent most of her mature in the country, and this shows in this novel.