First published in 1901, Pierre Louÿs's novel is a utopian fantasy wrapped in a comic adventure. It's less about epic battles and more about the gentle chaos that comes from absolute personal freedom.

The Story

King Pausole is a wonderfully lazy monarch. He has 366 wives (one for each day, plus a spare for leap year) and governs a kingdom with a single, simple law. His peaceful life is upended when his daughter, Aline, disappears. Reluctantly, he sets out to find her, accompanied by his skeptical page, Giglio, and a giant, silent bodyguard. Their journey across Tryphême is a series of funny and risqué encounters with citizens who are living their best, most unconventional lives. The search becomes a gentle satire of everything from parenting and politics to love and morality.

Why You Should Read It

Don't let the old publication date fool you—this book feels surprisingly modern in its questioning of social norms. Louÿs isn't just being provocative for the sake of it. Through the king's bemused eyes, we get to ask: What if we just stopped worrying so much about what other people do? The characters are charming, the humor is light and witty, and the whole book is bathed in a kind of Mediterranean sunshine. It’s a vacation for your brain, one that encourages you to smile and think at the same time.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who enjoy clever, idea-driven humor with a historical twist. If you like the philosophical playfulness of Voltaire's Candide or the cozy, quirky worlds of modern fantasy-comedies, you'll feel right at home in Tryphême. Just be prepared for some old-fashioned, cheeky charm. It's a short, sweet, and sun-drenched escape from the ordinary.