Wikipedia page about this book: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cara_(roman)

Release date is 2004-07-26

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"Cara" by Hector Malot is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Haupois-Daguillon family, particularly focusing on the dynamics of the family's business, their aspirations for their son Léon, and the challenges they face. The book delves into themes of familial responsibility, personal ambition, and the contrast between commercial success and individual desires. The opening of the novel sets the stage by detailing the background of the Haupois-Daguillon family, who run a successful jewelry business in Paris. It introduces Léon, the son, who seems indifferent to the family's commercial legacy and ambitions. While his parents have high hopes for him to take over the family business, Léon's lack of interest and apathy create a rift between him and his parents. The inability of the family to comprehend Léon’s indifference becomes a central point of tension. As the narrative progresses, developments concerning the family's business and personal relationships start to unfold, hinting at deeper conflicts yet to be revealed. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified