Le bien-aimé

The richly detailed historical setting really brought the story to life. I'm curious whether the author did extensive research or if the setting was more of a personal fascination.

The emotional depth kept me hooked, but I also appreciated the moments of lightheartedness. How did others interpret the balance between love and societal duty in the story?

Some characters surprised me with their growth, which made me wonder if the author mapped out their arcs from the start or let them develop naturally.