Samuel Brohl and Company   By: Victor Cherbuliez (1829-1899)

Samuel Brohl and Company by Victor Cherbuliez is a novel that delves into the intricate world of politics, ambition, and human nature. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Europe, this thought-provoking book explores the life of Samuel Brohl, a skilled and cunning man who navigates the political landscape of his time.

The story revolves around Samuel Brohl, a complex and enigmatic character who rises from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in European politics. With his sharp intellect and magnetic presence, Brohl becomes entangled in a web of power, intrigue, and personal challenges.

Cherbuliez skillfully creates a narrative that showcases the intricate dynamics between ambition, social class, and personal morality. As Brohl ventures further into the cutthroat world of politics, readers are given an intimate look into his psyche, witnessing his struggles and conflicts as he strives for success and recognition.

One of the novel's notable strengths lies in Cherbuliez's ability to bring the historical setting to life. The vivid descriptions of 19th-century Europe allow readers to be immersed in a world filled with pomp, grandeur, and political gamesmanship. The author's meticulous attention to detail provides a nuanced understanding of the epoch, drawing readers into its turbulent atmosphere and cultural nuances.

Furthermore, Cherbuliez explores the complexities of human nature through his diverse cast of characters. Each individual is intricately crafted, showcasing various motivations and flaws. Brohl, in particular, shines as a morally ambiguous protagonist, captivating readers with his cunning strategies, his ambition, and the internal conflicts that arise as a result.

However, the novel can be quite dense in its language and pacing, requiring readers to invest time and patience to fully appreciate its nuances. The story's slow build-up may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced narrative, but for those willing to delve deeper into the intricacies of politics and human psychology, Samuel Brohl and Company offers a rich and rewarding experience.

Ultimately, Samuel Brohl and Company stands as a remarkable work of literature that offers a profound exploration of political ambition, personal morality, and the complexities of the human spirit. Cherbuliez's masterful storytelling and richly developed characters make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and the inner workings of power.

First Page:

Were the events of this nether sphere governed by the calculus of probabilities, Count Abel Larinski and Mlle. Antoinette Moriaz would almost unquestionably have arrived at the end of their respective careers without ever having met. Count Larinski lived in Vienna, Austria; Mlle. Moriaz never had been farther from Paris than Cormeilles, where she went every spring to remain throughout the fine weather. Neither at Cormeilles nor at Paris had she ever heard of Count Larinski; and he, on his part, was wholly unaware of the existence of Mlle. Moriaz. His mind was occupied with a gun of his own invention, which should have made his fortune, and which had not made it. He had hoped that this warlike weapon, a true chef d'oeuvre , in his opinion superior in precision and range to any other known, would be appreciated, according to its merits, by competent judges, and would one day be adopted for the equipment of the entire Austro Hungarian infantry. By means of unremitting perseverance, he had succeeded in obtaining the appointment of an official commission to examine it. The commission decided that the Larinski musket possessed certain advantages, but that it had three defects: it was too heavy, the breech became choked too rapidly with oil from the lubricator, and the cost of manufacture was too high... Continue reading book >>