Henri Deberly's L'Arc-en-Ciel (The Rainbow) is a novel that deserves to be pulled back into the light. First published in 1922, it captures a slice of French provincial life with a sharp, observant eye.

The Story

The book is set in a small French town where a local election is about to take place. The arrival of a persuasive outsider, a man named Sergyll, shakes things up. He represents new, modern ideas that challenge the traditional way of life. The story follows a handful of townspeople—like the hesitant young teacher, the cautious mayor, and the idealistic doctor—as they grapple with Sergyll's influence. What begins as a simple political contest becomes a quiet battle for the town's soul. Deberly shows us the whispers in the café, the doubts in people's homes, and the slow, inevitable shift in the community's heart.

Why You Should Read It

What I loved most was how real the town feels. Deberly doesn't give us grand heroes or villains, just people trying to figure things out. The tension is subtle but powerful. You're watching a community change one conversation at a time. It's a brilliant study of how ideas spread and how peer pressure works in a closed society. The characters' internal struggles—between safety and progress, loyalty and conviction—are just as compelling as any external plot.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories and a strong sense of place. If you like authors who explore the dynamics of small communities, like Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio or even the quieter moments in Steinbeck, you'll find a lot to appreciate here. It's a thoughtful, slow-burn novel that asks big questions about society and belief, all wrapped up in the deceptively simple package of a town election. A truly rewarding read for a quiet afternoon.