André Gide's satirical novel published in 1914.

It revolves around themes of faith, morality and folly through a complex story with multiple human intertwining characters and plots.

The story centers on a fake conspiracy that the Pope has been kidnapped and replaced by an impostor. This premise leads Amédée Fleurissoire on a misguided mission to Rome to "save" the Pope, which ends tragically for him. Another key character, Lafcadio Wluiki, commits an impulsive and gratuitous murder that symbolizes a nihilistic outlook on life.

The novel is particularly notable for its humorous yet critical examination of human behavior and belief systems. The story combines elements of farce with deeper philosophical questions, reflecting Gide's interest in the concept of "acte gratuit" - that is, an act performed purely for its own sake, without external justification.

Original can be found at: https://gutenberg.org

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