In "Le nez d’un notaire" by Edmond About, readers are taken on a humorous and entertaining journey through the life of a notary with a rather comical physical trait - a large nose. The protagonist's nose becomes a central focus of the story, leading to a series of amusing and often absurd situations.

About's wit and sharp observations shine through in this novel, as he uses the notary's nose as a lens through which to explore the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. The story is filled with clever wordplay and clever twists that keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, "Le nez d’un notaire" is a delightful and lighthearted read that offers both humor and insight into human nature. About's writing is engaging and entertaining, making this novel a thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone looking for a charming and amusing tale.

Book Description:

Un brillant notaire parisien, Alfred L’Ambert, épris d’une danseuse de ballet de quatorze ans est provoqué en duel par son rival turc après une altercation. Ayant perdu son nez au cours du duel, le notaire se tourne alors vers un chirurgien pour une greffe de peau. Le donneur est un auvergnat simple du nom de « Chébachtien Romagné ». Le notaire doit passer trente jours le visage collé contre le bras de l’auvergnat. Mais, une fois ce délai écoulé, il n’en est pas au bout de ses peines…

A successful Parisian notary, Alfred L’Ambert, is smitten with a fourteen years old ballett dancer. After a quarrel, his Turkish rival challenges him to a duel during which the notary gets his nose cut off. Thereupon, a surgeon is called for a grafting. The donor is a simple man from the Auvergne with whom the notary is forced to spend thirty days, his noze being literally glued to the arm of the man. But even after this term, his bad fortune doesn’t come to an end…