The Story

The book follows a circle of jaded socialites in post-WWI Paris. Led by the cynical Gilbert, they form the 'Société de la Fessée.' Their goal? To inject danger and raw feeling back into their pampered lives. The rule is simple: to win the affections of your chosen target, you must administer—or submit to—a humiliating slap. What starts as a provocative parlor game turns serious as jealousy, hidden desires, and real cruelty surface. The plot hinges on the intense, twisted relationship between Gilbert and the defiant Hélène, pushing their psychological duel to a startling conclusion.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a romance. It's a sharp, uncomfortable look at boredom, power, and the search for sensation. Derennes writes with a cool, almost clinical eye, letting the characters' own actions damn them. You won't 'like' them, but you'll be fascinated by how their game exposes the emptiness behind their glittering world. It's about the masks people wear and what happens when they deliberately crack them.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy psychological deep-dives into flawed characters and aren't afraid of uncomfortable themes. If you liked the atmosphere of 'The Great Gatsby' but wished it was edgier and set in Paris, or if you're curious about the stranger corners of early 20th-century literature, give this a try. It's a brisk, bracing, and deeply odd novel that packs a punch.