First published in 1799, Frédéric drops us right into the turbulent years following the French Revolution. The old aristocratic order is gone, but what comes next is anyone's guess.

The Story

We follow Frédéric, an earnest young man full of hope for the new republic. He lands a coveted position as the private secretary to a government minister, a man named D***. Frédéric thinks this is his chance to make a difference. But the job is nothing like he imagined. He's quickly caught between his boss's cynical, realpolitik maneuvers and his own fading ideals. To make things even messier, he falls deeply in love with Cécile, the minister's wife. Suddenly, his personal desires and his public duties are on a collision course. The novel is the story of that crash, and how one person navigates the murky waters of power, passion, and principle.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how modern Frédéric feels. His struggle is timeless: the gap between what you believe and what you have to do to get by. Joseph Fiévée writes with a sharp eye for political hypocrisy and the quiet drama of moral compromise. Frédéric isn't a hero or a villain; he's a confused young man you can't help but root for, even when you see him making mistakes. The setting is historical, but the questions are forever relevant.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love historical fiction that focuses on character over battlefields. If you enjoy stories about internal conflict, political intrigue without the sword fights, and a poignant love story, Frédéric is a hidden gem. It's a smart, intimate look at a pivotal moment in history, seen through the eyes of someone just trying to find his place in it.