The Bachelor is a novel that explores the transition from youth to adulthood through the eyes of a young man navigating the complexities of urban life in Paris. The story delves into the struggles of poverty, loneliness, and the search for identity as the protagonist leaves his sheltered provincial life behind. The novel highlights his inner conflict between the excitement of newfound freedom and the anxiety of facing a harsh and unfamiliar world. As he arrives in Paris, he grapples with his feelings of isolation and the realization that the path to success is not as straightforward as he had imagined. The protagonistÍs journey is marked by the tension between his youthful aspirations and the reality of urban life, offering a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by young people in pursuit of their goals. The narrative captures the uncertainties of self-discovery and the desire to make meaningful connections in a society that feels indifferent. Through his experiences, the novel reflects on the broader themes of ambition, the fear of failure, and the search for one's place in a complex and evolving world.
Jules Valles was a French socialist journalist and novelist, born in Le Puy, France in 1832. Vallès is best known for his founding of Le Cri du Peuple, a prominent socialist newspaper that played a significant role during the Paris Commune in 1871. A passionate advocate for the working class and social justice, Vallès was deeply involved in the political upheavals of his time. His early education took place at Lycée Clemenceau and Lycée Condorcet, institutions that shaped his intellectual development. Vallès’s work as a writer often focused on themes of social inequality, the struggles of the poor, and the complexities of political movements. His most famous works include the autobiographical Le Bachelier and L'Insurgé, which reflect his personal experiences of hardship and his political beliefs. Vallès’s life was marked by both literary success and political activism, often at odds with the ruling authorities. After a life dedicated to activism and writing, he died in Paris in 1885 at the age of 52. Vallès was buried in the prestigious Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. He had a daughter, Jeanne-Marie Vallès, and remains an important figure in the history of French socialism and literature. His parents were Julie Pascal and Jean-Louis Vallès.