This isn't a novel with a single plot. Volume 22 collects Maupassant's travelogues, primarily from his journeys around the Mediterranean. We follow him as he leaves France behind, sailing to North Africa, visiting Algeria and Tunisia. He describes bustling ports, vast deserts, and crumbling Roman ruins with the same sharp eye he used for Parisian parlors. But the real story isn't just about the places. It's about a man trying to outrun his own thoughts. Between lines about sunsets and souks, you catch glimpses of his weariness and his search for something—peace, distraction, a cure—that the changing scenery can't quite provide.

Why You Should Read It

This book shows you a different side of Maupassant. Stripped of fictional characters, his own voice comes through clearly—witty, observant, and deeply tired. You see the world through the eyes of a master storyteller who can't stop being one, even on vacation. He turns a simple boat ride into a character study of the passengers and makes ancient history feel immediate. It's fascinating to watch a genius of short fiction apply his skills to real life. You get the beautiful descriptions, but you also get the man behind them, which is a rare gift.

Final Verdict

Perfect for Maupassant fans who want to know the man better, and for anyone who loves travel writing that's about more than just the destination. If you enjoy thoughtful, slightly moody observations and brilliant prose, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a quiet, reflective book best enjoyed slowly, like a letter from a brilliant, complicated friend who's seen amazing things but can't quite shake the blues.