Les Contemporains, 5ème Série is the fifth volume in a famous series of literary essays by critic Jules Lemaître. Published in the 1890s, it collects his reviews and thoughts on the major French authors of his day. This isn't a single story with a plot, but a series of deep dives into the books and playwrights shaping French culture.

The Story

There's no traditional plot here. Instead, Lemaître acts as your guide through the contemporary literary scene. He picks apart novels, poems, and plays, examining their style, their ideas, and their impact. He writes about real authors like Paul Bourget and Alphonse Daudet, analyzing what they were trying to do and whether he thinks they succeeded. The 'story' is the unfolding conversation about art itself—what it means and why it matters.

Why You Should Read It

Lemaître’s voice is what makes this special. He’s not a dry academic; he’s a passionate reader sharing his gut reactions. You feel his excitement for a beautiful sentence and his frustration with a clumsy character. Reading these essays lets you see classic French literature through the eyes of someone who was there, debating it as it happened. It adds a whole new layer to books you might already love.

Final Verdict

This is a book for a specific but curious reader. It’s perfect for lovers of French literature who want to understand its historical context, or for anyone interested in the art of criticism itself. It’s not a light beach read, but for the right person, it’s a captivating look at how opinions on art are formed. Think of it as a series of brilliant, opinionated book club discussions from over a century ago.