First published in 1903, Marcel Boulenger's novel is a witty snapshot of French intellectual life. It follows Monsieur de la Ferté, a well-meaning but naive gentleman who pens a modest proposal: to make French spelling a bit easier. He suggests getting rid of some unnecessary letters and simplifying a few rules. He thinks he's doing a public service.

The Story

What follows is pure chaos. His little pamphlet ignites a firestorm. Critics, academics, journalists, and society figures all take sides. Newspapers fill with furious editorials. Salons buzz with heated debates. Friendships are broken over the placement of an accent. Monsieur de la Ferté, who just wanted a logical discussion, finds himself at the center of a national scandal, attacked from all sides by people who believe changing a single letter is an attack on French civilization itself.

Why You Should Read It

This book is hilarious because it’s so true. Boulenger has a keen eye for the absurdity of intellectual vanity. The characters aren't really defending language; they're defending their own status and fear of change. It’s a story about how any idea, no matter how small, can become a battlefield for bigger egos and insecurities. Reading it, you'll recognize the same kind of pointless, performative outrage we see online today.

Final Verdict

This is a gem for anyone who enjoys sharp social satire, history buffs curious about Belle Époque France, or readers who just love a good story about a ridiculous fight. It’s short, smart, and leaves you with a smile, wondering what silly hill we’re all currently choosing to die on.