I just finished a book that’s equal parts fascinating and infuriating, and I need to talk about it. Guy de Maupassant’s Bel Ami is a classic that feels shockingly modern in its portrait of ambition.

The Story

The story follows Georges Duroy, a handsome but penniless ex-army officer in 1880s Paris. After a chance meeting with an old comrade, he’s introduced to the world of high-society journalism. Georges has no talent, but he does have incredible looks and zero scruples. He quickly learns that his real currency is his ability to charm and manipulate powerful women. We watch as he uses a series of affairs not for love, but as stepping stones—each relationship granting him more money, influence, and status, while leaving a trail of broken lives behind him.

Why You Should Read It

Here’s the thing: Georges is a terrible person, and that’s what makes him so compelling. Maupassant doesn’t ask you to like him; he asks you to watch him. The book is a sharp, unflinching look at how shallow charm and ruthless self-interest can succeed in a society obsessed with appearances. It’s about the mechanics of corruption, both personal and professional. You’ll read it with a mix of horror and a strange admiration for the sheer audacity of his schemes.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy complex, unlikeable protagonists and social satire that bites. If you liked the cutthroat politics of House of Cards or the social climbing in The Great Gatsby, you’ll find a kindred, cynical spirit in Bel Ami. Just don’t expect to find a hero.