book review

Bel-Ami deals with the rise of ex-soldier Georges Duroy to prosperous
journalist and social climber. Set in Paris at the end of the
nineteenth century, the novel features a detailed background with a
wide range of characters. His old friend and successful newspaperman
Edward Forestier hires Georges to the paper, where he starts at the
bottom. It soon becomes apparent that Forestier owes his success to his
wife Madeleine, a canny woman with a knack for journalism. She helps
Georges with his first article, starting him in his new job as
reporter. After Forestier dies, Georges marries her, and they
began to climb the ranks of Paris society and Georges' career
together.