Le Petit Chose

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July 2, 2026

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Le Petit Chose (1868), translated as "The Little Thing," is a semi-autobiographical novel by French writer Alphonse Daudet. The novel draws inspiration from Daudet's own unhappy experiences as a school usher in Alès, France, which he endured after his father's financial ruin. The story reflects Daudet's early life struggles and his eventual move to Paris to pursue a literary career. While Daudet is known for his sentimental tales of provincial life, Le Petit Chose is noted for its blend of sympathy and anxiety, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the challenges faced by individuals.1

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Alphonse Daudet
Life
…omissions, for his semiautobiographical novel Le Petit Chose (1868; “The Little Thing”). At the end of the year he joined his elder brother, Ernest, in Paris.
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…omissions, for his semiautobiographical novel Le Petit Chose (1868; “The Little Thing”). At the end of the year he joined his elder brother, Ernest, in Paris.
Read More