The Story

Hyacinthe is a young man raised by his mother, knowing almost nothing about the father who disappeared from his life. His quiet world is turned upside down when a strange letter arrives, seemingly from his father, pushing him to leave home and follow a trail of cryptic clues. His adventure takes him from the countryside into bustling cities and shadowy corners of French society. Along the way, he teams up with a colorful cast of characters—some helpful, others suspicious—who each seem to know a piece of the puzzle he's trying to solve. The deeper he goes, the more he realizes his father's past is tangled up in secrets that powerful people want to keep hidden.

Why You Should Read It

This book grabbed me because it feels surprisingly modern. At its core, it's about identity and the hunger to know where you come from. Hyacinthe is an easy hero to root for—he's curious, a bit naive, but determined. Assollant writes with a light touch and a good dose of humor, especially through the secondary characters Hyacinthe meets. They bring 19th-century France to life in a way that feels lively, not like a history lesson. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, making it one of those books that's hard to put down because you just need to know what the next clue reveals.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy classic adventure tales with a mystery at their heart, like something by Dumas but a little less dense. If you're curious about older French literature but want an accessible entry point, this is a fantastic choice. It's also great for anyone who loves a story about an underdog on a personal quest, where the search for truth is just as thrilling as any sword fight.