Paul Féval's Les belles-de-nuit; ou, les anges de la famille (The Night Beauties; or, The Angels of the Family) is a classic French serial novel from 1845. This first volume throws open the doors to a world of secrets and societal tension.

The Story

We meet two enigmatic sisters, Blanche and Rose, known in society as the 'Night Beauties.' They live under the protection of the powerful Kerouallan family in Brittany, but their true origins are a shadowy mystery. The plot kicks into gear with the arrival of young officers and the simmering resentment of the local aristocracy towards the rising middle class. Old wounds from the French Revolution are still fresh, and everyone seems to be hiding something. The central question becomes: what is the hidden link between these angelic sisters and the family that shelters them?

Why You Should Read It

Féval is a master of atmosphere. He doesn't just tell you it's 1840s France; you feel the damp Breton air and the tension in a crowded salon. The characters are types you love to untangle—the brooding protector, the naive young men, and the sisters themselves, who are far more than they appear. It’s a story about how the past always finds a way to knock on the present's door, wrapped up in a seriously engaging mystery.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love to get lost in a different time. If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of mystery and romance, where the setting is as important as the plot, you'll have a great time. It’s not a fast-paced thriller; it’s a simmering pot of intrigue that takes its time to build a world. A fantastic find for anyone digging into the roots of popular serialized fiction.