Âmes d'automne (translated as Souls of Autumn) by Jean Lorrain is a collection of stories that delve into the atmosphere of Paris during the decadent fin de siècle (end of the century) era.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
- Setting: The book paints a vivid picture of late 19th-century Paris, capturing its underbelly - smoky cafes, hidden dens, and the world of luxury shops. Lorrain extends this "autumnal" feeling beyond the city, suggesting a sense of decline encompassing the entire Western world.
- Themes:
- Decadence: The stories likely reflect the cultural and social anxieties of the era, a time marked by a fascination with death, decline, and artificial beauty.
- Loss and Memory: The passage of time and the fading of hope are recurring themes.
- Human Experience: Lorrain explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences within this decadent and melancholic atmosphere.
- Structure: The collection includes the novella "Sonyeuse" (The Dreamer), praised for its Poe-like qualities, alongside other stories that capture the essence of autumn.
