Published in 1891, Le Bilan du Divorce (which translates roughly to 'The Balance Sheet of Divorce') is a novel that feels more like a case file. Written by journalist and author Hugues Le Roux, it uses fiction to examine a very real and controversial social issue of its time.

The Story

The plot follows Jeanne and her husband as their marriage collapses. We see their early happiness fade into quiet disappointment and then open hostility. When Jeanne decides to seek a divorce, the story shifts from their private home to the very public arena of the courtroom. The legal process becomes its own kind of trauma. Lawyers pick apart their lives, friends are forced to take sides, and newspapers treat their personal pain as public entertainment. The 'bilan' or balance sheet isn't just financial; it's an accounting of emotional ruin, shattered reputations, and the steep price of personal freedom in a society that frowned upon it.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current it feels. Strip away the horse-drawn carriages and formal manners, and you have a story about the brutal mechanics of a breakup when the whole world is watching. Le Roux doesn't paint heroes or villains. Jeanne is sympathetic but flawed; her husband is often frustrating, but you understand his perspective. The real antagonist is the system—the rigid laws and the crushing weight of 'what will people think?' The book is quiet and psychological. The drama comes from small glances, a missed opportunity for kindness, and the awful silence of a broken home. It’s a thoughtful, almost forensic look at how love dies.

Final Verdict

This isn't a fast-paced thriller. It's for readers who enjoy deep character exploration and a slice of social history. If you liked the interpersonal tension in novels like 'The Age of Innocence' or are fascinated by how laws shape personal lives (think 'The Scarlet Letter' but with lawyers), you'll find a lot here. It's perfect for historical fiction fans who want to look beyond the ballrooms and battles to the messy realities of everyday people. A compelling, sobering read that proves some human struggles are timeless.