Let's be clear from the start: trying to explain the 'plot' of this book is like trying to nail jelly to a wall. 'Le moyen de parvenir' (The Way to Succeed) is a famously weird Renaissance work, and this is the final volume. The setup is a fictional banquet where a huge, noisy crowd of characters—from historical figures to complete fictional creations—gather to tell stories, argue, and share knowledge. But the knowledge is often absurd, the stories are raunchy or philosophical by turns, and the arguments go nowhere. It's a glorious, chaotic mess that mimics the feeling of overhearing a dozen conversations at once.

Why You Should Read It

You read this for the vibe and the voice. Béroalde de Verville doesn't just write a book; he builds a world that feels alive and deeply skeptical. He makes fun of scholars, love, politics, and even the idea of writing a useful guide. It's less about the individual tales and more about the collective energy—the sense that wisdom and foolishness are inseparable. Reading it feels like being let in on a 400-year-old inside joke. The characters are less people and more vehicles for ideas, clashing in the most entertaining way possible.

Final Verdict

This is not for someone looking for a straightforward historical novel. It's perfect for curious readers who love Montaigne's essays, enjoy the satirical edge of Voltaire, or are fascinated by pre-modern weirdness. Think of it as a literary curiosity cabinet: baffling, fascinating, and utterly unique. You don't so much read 'Le moyen de parvenir' as you experience it. If you're up for a challenging, funny, and deeply unconventional ride through the Renaissance mind, this final volume is a must-encounter.