Published in 1891, Maurice Barrès's Trois Stations de psychothérapie (Three Stations of Psychotherapy) is a fascinating, brief novel that feels ahead of its time.

The Story

We follow Simon, a young intellectual who feels completely empty and disconnected from the world. He's not sick in body, but in spirit. Desperate for a fix, he tries three different 'cures.' First, he sees a scientist who treats his malaise as a physical illness. Next, he turns to a priest for a religious answer. Finally, he seeks out a philosopher who advocates for pure egoism and self-worship. The book is less about a plot with big events and more about Simon's internal journey as he tests each of these wildly different worldviews, searching for something—anything—to make him feel whole again.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current Simon's problem feels. Barrès nails that specific modern anxiety of searching for meaning in a world that offers too many conflicting answers. Is the solution in science, faith, or just looking out for number one? The book doesn't give easy answers, which is its strength. It's a sharp, almost clinical look at a personal crisis. Simon can be frustrating, but his confusion is painfully real.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love character-driven stories and big ideas over fast-paced action. If you're interested in the history of psychology, French literature, or stories about existential dread (think a 19th-century version of that 'what does it all mean?' feeling), you'll find a lot to unpack here. It's a short, dense, and thought-provoking snapshot of a mind in trouble.