Théodore Hannon’s Au clair de la dune is a charming snapshot of life in a late 19th-century Belgian coastal resort. We follow a cast of characters—vacationing city folk, local merchants, and aspiring artists—as they navigate the social season. The plot isn’t driven by a single huge event, but by the small dramas of daily life: who is trying to impress whom, which romantic flirtation might turn serious, and the quiet clash between old money and new ambitions.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book for its atmosphere. Hannon has a light, observational touch. He doesn’t judge his characters harshly; he paints them with humor and a bit of warmth, letting their own vanities and hopes tell the story. Reading it feels like people-watching from a café terrace. The themes are surprisingly modern—the performative nature of leisure, the anxiety of social status, and the search for genuine connection in a temporary holiday world. It’s a quiet, witty character study.

Final Verdict

This is a book for a specific mood. Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction without dense battles or politics, or for anyone who loves sharp social comedies like Jane Austen’s work, but in a breezier, seaside setting. It’s a short, insightful escape into a different time that still feels oddly familiar. Don’t expect high-stakes thrills; instead, settle in for clever dialogue and beautifully drawn scenes of coastal life.