First published in 1903, Pierre Louÿs's Sanguines is a novella that feels both of its time and startlingly modern. It’s a brief, intense read that pulls you into its strange world and doesn’t let go.

The Story

The plot is deceptively simple. In Paris, a close-knit group of young artists and intellectuals—bored, brilliant, and a bit morbid—make a pact. They challenge each other to stage their own fake deaths. The goal? To see who can craft the most believable, dramatic, and emotionally devastating performance for the others. It starts as a macabre game, a way to spice up their evenings. But as the ‘deaths’ unfold, the atmosphere changes. The staged grief, the elaborate lies, and the manipulation of friends’ feelings begin to poison their relationships. When one participant’s act becomes suspiciously flawless, the others are left wondering: is this still a game, or has the fiction become a deadly reality?

Why You Should Read It

Louÿs is a master of atmosphere. He builds a creeping sense of dread not with monsters, but with human psychology. The real horror here isn’t blood or ghosts; it’s the erosion of trust. You watch these friends dissect each other’s emotions for sport, and it’s deeply unsettling. The prose is sharp and clean, pulling you along even as the situation grows more claustrophobic. It’s a fascinating look at performance, authenticity, and how far people will go for a thrill, even at the cost of everything real.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love classic stories with a dark, psychological twist. Think of it as a precursor to modern ‘social horror.’ If you enjoyed the tense, game-like cruelty of Patricia Highsmith or the elegant unease of early Henry James, you’ll find a lot to love here. It’s a one-sitting read that proves a story doesn’t need to be long to leave a lasting, chilly impression.