Les belles amours
Louise de Vilmorin1954

Louise de Vilmorin's gently ruthless view of sexual liaisons in the beau monde of the 1920s is diverting and intriguing, and delivered with the skill of a consummate storyteller. Though nearly sixty, Monsieur Zaraguirre was irresistible to women. He was rich, distinguished and handsome, and the fact that he lived in South America added mystery to his charm. During his annual visits to France he always stayed with his greatest friends, the Duvilles, whose remaining ambition was that their son Louis should marry happily. When Louis at last falls deeply in love, however, Monsieur Zagraguirre's friendship with the Duvilles is severely tested, and an attempt at reconciliation leads only to the opportunity for revenge.