[
Paul and Virginie] is the tale of two children raised by single mothers in Mauritius (then a French colony). The work is reputed to have had more separate editions since its original publication than any other French novel. It has been translated or adapted into numerous languages as well as being performed on stage. Its enduring success is primarily connected to its setting in a remote island, appealing to the imagination of generations of readers. Its portrayal of the innocence of children raised in a seemingly idyllic environment still possesses a great draw for those wishing to escape the pressures of instant communication in a globalised world. Arguably a further attraction has been the advance of ecological concerns. Bernardin was well aware that the life-style…
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Citation: Davies, Simon. "Paul et Virginie". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 09 January 2019 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=21588, accessed 21 November 2024.]