Jean Lorrain was a writer who loved to explore the dark, glittering corners of Parisian high society. In L'école des vieilles femmes, he gives us a front-row seat to its most cynical classroom.

The Story

We meet Paul, a young man with more charm than cash. He's introduced to a peculiar salon run by two formidable older women, Madame de Balbec and Madame de Saugrenue. Their wealth is immense, and their boredom is even greater. Their 'school' isn't for learning; it's a social trap. They attract young men like Paul, pampering them with fine clothes, expensive dinners, and access to elite circles. In return, these men become their entertainers, their escorts, and the targets of their sharp, often malicious wit. Paul is both fascinated and appalled. He enjoys the perks but feels his independence slipping away. The story watches him navigate this gilded cage, trying to figure out if he's a guest or a prisoner.

Why You Should Read It

This book isn't about big action scenes. It's about atmosphere and psychology. Lorrain paints a picture of a world where beauty is currency and affection is a transaction. The two women are brilliantly drawn—they're not monsters, but they are deeply flawed products of their idle, privileged lives. You can almost smell the fading perfume and hear the rustle of expensive silk. What got me was the tension. Paul's inner struggle feels very real. Who hasn't been tempted by an easy path, even if you know it might cost you something important? Lorrain doesn't judge his characters outright; he just shows them to us, warts and all, and lets us decide.

Final Verdict

This is a book for readers who love character studies and historical atmosphere. If you're fascinated by the Belle Époque period, the world of Proust or Huysmans, you'll find a darker, seedier cousin here. It's also perfect for anyone interested in stories about power dynamics and moral compromise. Be warned: it's not a feel-good story. It's a bitter, sparkling cocktail of a novel—one that leaves a sharp aftertaste. If you're in the mood for a short, psychologically intense trip to a vanished and morally ambiguous world, give it a try.