Sebastien Roch

The narrative explores the psychological and sexual awakening of Sebastien Roch, a young boy in Belle Epoque France, as he transitions from innocence to corruption during his time at a Jesuit college. His journey is marked by disillusionment, culminating in a tragic death at 21 on the battlefield. This poignant tale reflects the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life, juxtaposed with Mirbeau's lyrical prose that evokes both serene beauty and stark excess, completing the trilogy of "angry young man" novels.