The effeminates

Despite its title. 'The Effeminates' has nothing to do with sexuality. Instead, it's a satire on the fickle natures of Parisians and those who work in the Chamber of Deputies (a French parliamentary body). According to Maupassant's observations, these 'man-girls' are a bane of society, forever changing their minds, following their whimsies, and plotting behind the backs of even their closest friends. An interesting psychological snapshot of 19th Century France, 'The Effeminates' is a welcome addition to any library. Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents' divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature. During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant's literary career. The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including 'Boule de Suif.' Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.