If you pick up a book by Tristan Bernard, you're in for a treat of wit and social observation. 'L'affaire Larcier' is a perfect example.

The Story

Monsieur Larcier is a decent, middle-class man. His life is turned upside down after a night spent at a hotel. A simple administrative error—his name being recorded incorrectly on the register—snowballs into a major scandal. Rumors fly, the newspapers get involved, and suddenly Larcier finds himself at the center of a public drama he doesn't understand. The plot follows his desperate and often comical attempts to clear his name, battling not against a criminal, but against the court of public opinion.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a whodunit. The joy is in watching Bernard skewer the hypocrisy of 'polite' society and the sensationalist press. Larcier is a wonderfully normal hero, completely out of his depth. You'll cringe and laugh as he makes things worse while trying to make them better. Bernard's writing is light and playful, but it points a sharp finger at how quickly we judge others based on whispers instead of facts. It feels incredibly relevant, even today.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy classic European fiction with a satirical edge, like the works of P.G. Wodehouse or early twentieth-century social comedies. If you love stories where the biggest enemy is bureaucracy and gossip, you'll find this short novel both entertaining and clever. It's a hidden gem that proves some human follies are truly timeless.