Victor Tissot’s Simone isn’t your typical 19th-century novel about drawing-room romance. It’s a sharp, surprisingly modern story about a young woman who wants more than her world is willing to give.

The Story

We meet Simone de Brévanne, a clever and well-read young woman from a respectable family. While everyone around her—her mother, her suitors, society at large—is focused on one goal (finding her a suitable husband), Simone is dreaming of a different life. She’s passionate about ideas, art, and having a purpose beyond being a wife. The plot follows her as she navigates the minefield of social expectations. She engages in debates, pushes back against shallow suitors, and yearns for a partnership based on mutual respect. The central tension isn’t a villain, but the constant, smothering weight of tradition. Will she bend and accept a comfortable, conventional life, or will she hold out for a chance at something truly her own?

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how familiar Simone felt. Tissot, a man writing in the 1880s, created a character whose frustrations are utterly recognizable today. Her anger at being talked down to, her exhaustion from having to justify her ambitions, her search for a partner who sees her as an equal—it all rings true. The book is a window into how little some struggles have changed. Simone isn’t perfect; she’s sometimes naive and idealistic, which makes her journey more compelling. You’re not just watching history; you’re rooting for someone you understand.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories or is curious about the roots of modern feminism. It’s for readers of historical fiction who want to look beyond the ballgowns and into the minds of the people wearing them. If you enjoyed the spirit of a character like Jo March from Little Women but wanted to see her tackle the social pressures of Parisian high society, you’ll find a friend in Simone. It’s a quiet, thoughtful, and often frustrating (in the best way) portrait of a woman ahead of her time.