The fear of living a novel by Henry Bordeaux (PDF)

The fear of living

The fear of living

Henry Bordeau’s La peur de vivre (The Fear of Living), translated by Ruth Helen Davis and published in 1913, is a fascinating novel that blends moral reflection with psychological depth. Bordeaux (1870–1963) was a French lawyer, novelist, and member of the Académie Française, known for his works that often explored themes of duty, family, and the tension between tradition and modernity.  

 Themes

- Fear of living: The title itself suggests existential anxiety — not fear of death, but of the responsibilities, choices, and burdens of life.  

- Moral duty: Bordeaux often emphasized loyalty to family and tradition, contrasting with the growing individualism of the early 20th century.  

- Psychological struggle: Characters wrestle with inner conflicts, indecision, and the weight of expectations.  

- French society: The novel reflects the cultural atmosphere of pre–World War I France, where modernity clashed with established values.  

Overview

- Author: Henry Bordeaux (1870–1963), French novelist and lawyer.  

- Translator: Ruth Helen Davis.  

- Publication Date: 1913 (English edition).  

- Original Language: French (La peur de vivre).  

- Genre: Psychological and moral novel.  

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