Often cited as the first werewolf novel ever written! From the author of adventure classics like The Three Musketeers and The Count Of Monte Cristo, a lost tale of revenge, wishes fulfilled, and a ravenous nature that will take a bite out of you!
Drawing from his own youthful experiences of folklore, Alexandre Dumas tells the story of Thibault, a young man who makes a pact with a talking wolf who promises to grant his wishes. Though he is promised revenge against those who wronged him, Thibault's life only gets worse. His vengeance lays itself bare, but the villagers suspect him to be a werewolf as well!
This is pushed as a werewolf story but it is really a Faustian tale. I know of Faust only by reputation but my impression was always that he was a bit of a clever fellow. Thibault is not. It's fun watching this unfold, especially with the unusual nature of the devil's request for each wish granted. As Thibault progresses in his desires, he encounters different situations that gradually move up through the social strata. This leads to a lot of amusing situations strewn amongst the Faustian choices that are made.
Overall this was rather like infusing the hijinks of The Three Musketeers into a supernatural story with a moral center. It simultaneously was entertaining and thought-provoking as the story proceeded. Recommended if your taste runs in that direction.
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