The Red Sorcerer

Stableford’s introduction claims this little known work from Fabrice (1877–1937) is “not a good novel,” but that there’s value in its unsavoriness; indeed, fans of decadent literature will be wowed by its dark intuitive depth. Though plagued by period-typical misogyny, the gorgeously written story is a time capsule from the fin de siècle. First published as a 64-part serial in 1910 and here translated into English for the first time, it follows Françoise Le Goff, who’s abducted from her family by the Red Sorcerer, who wields a sinister persuasive power. The status-hungry Sorcerer, also called Pen-Ru and Tête-Rouge, brings Françoise into his Parisian world of harlotry and vice, but when she becomes involved with a man named Demi-Sel, she faces Pen-Ru’s wrath. Her winding, often traumatic story later takes her to Hortensias Bleus, where she is installed as a dancer, once again incurring her abductor’s jealousy. The supernatural elements somewhat fade into the background as the novel goes on, but the sinister tone never abates. Frank and brutal, this is a strange but powerful trip into the tenebrous Parisian underworld. (Apr.)