Les conteurs à la ronde by Charles Dickens

(8 User reviews)   2962
Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870
French
Hey, have you ever wondered what happens when you gather a group of travelers on a stormy night with nothing to do but tell stories? That's the brilliant setup of Charles Dickens's 'Les conteurs à la ronde' (The Round of Stories by the Christmas Fire). It’s not one story, but a collection framed by a cozy, slightly tense gathering. The real mystery isn't in any single tale, but in the group itself. Who are these people? Why are they here? And as each person takes a turn, you start to see that the stories they choose reveal secrets about the storytellers. It’s a warm, clever, and surprisingly insightful look at human nature, all wrapped up in that classic Dickensian charm. Perfect for a quiet evening.
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No. | Name. | Date. | SUBJECT. | Page. ----+-------------------+-------------+--------------------------------+------ 1 | Lord Cromer |Jan. 21, 1903|Visit to Congo stations of Kiro | | | | and Lado. Native | | | | relations with Congo officials.| | | | Few natives, to be | | | | seen in the stations | 1 | | | | 2 | Sir C. Phipps |Sept. 19, |Transmits note from Congo | | | | Government in answer | | | | to despatch of 8th August | | | | to Powers parties to | | | | the Act of Berlin | 2 | | | | 3 | Mr. Casement |Dec. 11, |Transmits report on his visit | | | | to interior of Congo | | | | State and on condition | | | | of natives | 21 | | | | 4 | To Sir C. Phipps |Feb. 11, 1904|Transmits Memorandum | | | | in answer to note of Congo | | | | Government of 12th | | | | September inclosed in No. 2 | 82 | | | | 5 | To His Majesty’s |Feb. 12, |Transmits papers on condition | | Representatives | | of affairs in Congo State | | at Paris | | State | | and other Capitals| | | 84 ----+-------------------+-------------+--------------------------------+------ Correspondence and Report from His Majesty’s Consul at Boma respecting the Administration of the Independent State of the Congo. No. 1. _The Earl of Cromer to the Marquess of Lansdowne_.--(_Received February 9_.) (Extract.) _On the Nile, near Kiro, January 21, 1903_ I have just visited the Belgian stations of Kiro and Lado, as also the station of Gondokoro in the Uganda Protectorate. Your Lordship may like to receive some remarks on the impressions I derived as regards the Belgian positions on the Upper Nile. I should, in the first instance, observe that Commandant Hanolet, who is in charge of the district, was absent in the interior of the country; but Sir Reginald Wingate and myself were most courteously received by the officers in command at Kiro and Lado. From the point of view of appearance, the two Belgian stations contrast favourably with any of the Soudanese stations on the Nile, and still more favourably with Gondokoro in the Uganda Protectorate. The principal dwelling-houses are of brick. They seem to be well built. The stations are kept scrupulously clean. The troops are well housed. Flourishing gardens have been created. I counted the graves of nine Europeans at Kiro, all of whom died of fever, but I am informed that the health of the place is now greatly improved. I had heard so many and such contradictory accounts of the Belgian Administration that I was very desirous of ascertaining some concise and definite evidence on this subject. During a hurried visit, and with opportunities of observation confined to the banks of the river, I scarcely anticipated that I should be able to arrive at any independent opinion on the point at issue. I saw and heard, however, quite enough to gain an insight into the spirit which pervades the Administration. It must be remembered that the 1,100 miles of country which I traversed between Khartoum and Gondokoro has, until recently, been the prey of slave-dealers, Egyptian Pashas, and dervishes. Under the circumstances, it might well have been expected that much time would be required to inspire confidence in the intentions of the new Government. It is, however, certain that, with the exception of a portion of the Nuer tribe, who live in a very remote region on...

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If you love the feeling of being tucked in by the fire while a storm rages outside, you'll feel right at home with this book. The frame is simple: a diverse group of people find themselves stranded together on a winter's night. To pass the time, they agree to each tell a story. What unfolds is a series of tales—some funny, some ghostly, some deeply human—that are as much about the characters telling them as the plots themselves.

The Story

The book is a story cycle. We don't follow a single hero on a long journey. Instead, we meet the travelers first. There's a nervous man, a sharp-tongued woman, a quiet thinker, and others. Each has their own voice and their own history. One by one, they share their tale. The stories range from comic mishaps and sentimental moments to chilling ghost stories and sharp social observations. The real thread connecting everything is the silent conversation happening in the room. With each story, we learn a little more about why that person chose *that* particular tale.

Why You Should Read It

This is Dickens in a more intimate, playful mood. You get all his skill with character and social detail, but in smaller, digestible pieces. The magic is in the double layer. You're enjoying a good story, but you're also playing detective, piecing together the hidden lives of the storytellers. It feels less like reading a formal novel and more like eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation among strangers who slowly become familiar.

Final Verdict

This is a gem for readers who love character studies and classic short stories with a twist. It's perfect for Dickens fans who want to see his range beyond the big, door-stopper novels, and for anyone who enjoys the cozy, slightly eerie atmosphere of a shared storytelling night. If you've ever sat around with friends telling spooky or personal stories, you'll recognize the vibe immediately. A truly charming and clever read.



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John Miller
1 year ago

Having read this twice, it creates a vivid world that you simply do not want to leave. One of the best books I've read this year.

Thomas Torres
1 year ago

The layout is very easy on the eyes.

Christopher Lopez
1 year ago

I came across this while browsing and the author's voice is distinct and makes complex topics easy to digest. Don't hesitate to start reading.

Sandra Walker
1 year ago

Great reference material for my coursework.

James Torres
5 months ago

As someone who reads a lot, it provides a comprehensive overview perfect for everyone. Thanks for sharing this review.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (8 User reviews )

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