A Bad Dream A Novel

A Bad Dream, a novel by Georges Bernanos, is a posthumously published work released by Cluny in 2020. This edition spans 187 pages and is presented in English. The narrative unfolds as a crime story, echoing themes from Bernanos’s earlier work, Under the Sun of Satan, and drawing parallels with François Mauriac’s The Dark Angels. The plot centers on the jaded author Emmanuel Ganse and his troubled assistant, Olivier, who both become entangled in a complex relationship with Simone Alfieri, a character whose outward saintliness masks a darker, violent nature.

Readers will find a rich exploration of obsession and moral conflict as the story progresses. The first part delves into the dynamics between Ganse and Olivier, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. As the narrative shifts, Simone’s sinister intentions come to light, revealing her willingness to embrace violence in pursuit of her goals. A Bad Dream intricately weaves elements of mystery and suspense, examining the supernatural origins of crime and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. This edition invites readers to engage with Bernanos’s profound insights into the human condition within the framework of crime fiction.