Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Wonderful, unforgettable 19th-century French classic April 25, 2008
It's no surprise that "Bel-Ami" figures in many people's Top Ten French novels of all time. First, it is a wonderfully smooth and well-paced story that never risks becoming dull. Second, it has a kind of "eternal" quality in that it asks all the great unanswerable questions about the value of love and human achievement in the light of the certainty of death. Third and most importantly, in Georges Duroy Maupassant created a hero who stays forever in the memory as a perfect example of the ambitious man who rises from obscurity to the top by putting aside bothersome scruples and manipulating those around him, especially women. Other novelists have portrayed similar characters - why is Maupassant so successful? One reason is that he avoids psychological descriptions of Duroy from the narrator's point of view. He also avoids passing judgement on Duroy: this is not a novel written with moral purposes in mind. Instead Maupassant lets Duroy's actions and thoughts speak for themselves, as do those of the other characters. This makes Duroy a much more subtle and believable character (and it appeals especially to our early 21st century sensibilities). Also, there is a rich gallery of other characters in "Bel-Ami": Madeleine and Madame de Marelle are masterly creations, drawn with deceptive simplicity, and the political figures and journalists are very true to life. All in all, like "Anna Karenina" or "Sentimental Education", "Bel-Ami" is a novel that can be read with pleasure many times throughout one's life.
Truly Gripping December 30, 2007
I don't really care about all that social criticism stuff people keep harping on about: if you want to know about France in the 19thC just read a history book.
Purely as a work of fiction this is one of the most satisfying novels I have ever read; beautifully written, well paced and devilishly erotic.
I'm surprised, given it's immense popularity during Maupassant's lifetime, it isn't lauded by the literary establishment alongside Madame Bovary (which it surpasses in many respects).
Dashing Hero Cuts a Comic Swathe through Paris Society September 1, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Guy de Maupassant does not suffer fools or the hipocrisy of (usually bourgoise) society gladly, and thus this, his romping satire that lifts the lid on Parisian society, is a comic tale with rapier wit, sly mocking, and a wonderful appetite for the absurd. Live vicariously through our vain and dashing hero on the make as he cuts a swathe through high society, wowing and wooing all in his path.
Frank descriptions of the sexual desires and all-so-often-acted-upon indiscretions of the book's characters - in spite of the social refinements and etiquette of the age - adds to its contemporary or timeless feel.
Warning: this could not be much further from the likes of Jane Austen. This is no romantic stroll through the picturesque, but a highly intelligent, constantly amsuing, dare I say it rock'n'roll swagger through the offices, nightclubs, parlours and boudoirs of 19th century Paris. And yet, it should be noted, that this book is not without moving moments and depth. Its characters are not merely caricatures, its (not always but often subtle) satire is not at the expense of reader empathy and real emotion.
If I was to read any book one more time, it would probably be A Farewell to Arms by Hemingway, and halfway through I'm pretty sure I would be wishing I'd chosen this instead. Quite simply brilliant.
 Bel Ami- An opinion July 29, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
A stark and vivd picture of one man's ruthless ascendancy through the social ranks. A rise that really erases all other thoughts within the young Georges as he throws aside the feelings and emotions of all others around him in persuit of his goals. It is in essence a story of success but manages at the same time to demonstrate the negative side effects that success can produce on others who find themselves in the way of that determined and efficient rise. A wonderful story and really one that may find its place far more readily in our society today than one may first think.
Bel Ami Review June 1, 2004
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book is a thrilling read. Thouroughly recommended. Maupassant died from syphillis at a middle age and his mysery and thoughts on death are pasted thourought the book. It has affected me deeply and I suggest you buy this just for the experience.
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