"René" is a seminal work of French Romantic literature that delves into the emotional turmoil and philosophical reflections of its eponymous protagonist, a young, disenchanted aristocrat. The novella explores themes of nature, solitude, and existential despair as René grapples with a profound sense of melancholy and a feeling of being out of step with society. His internal struggles and search for meaning lead him to the American wilderness, where encounters with indigenous peoples and the untamed landscape prompt deeper introspection. The narrative is a poignant examination of the individual's quest for authenticity and the pervasive sense of alienation that can accompany a sensitive and introspective soul in a world that seems indifferent to its deeper yearnings.

The 2763rd greatest book of all time