Title: Ridiculous - Rémi Waterhouse - book
Summary :
Versailles, 1780. Grégoire Ponceludon de Malavoy, a young engineer, has left his fever-infested province to submit a marshland drainage project to the royal authorities. He soon discovers that before reaching the king, he will have to make a name for himself in the salon of the Countess of Blayac, a veritable antechamber of power where wit reigns. A formidable wit, since a witty remark can make a career, while a "ridicule" shatters it forever. Brilliant and well-dressed, the young man would have everything he needed to make a name for himself, if only he could shake off the unseemly conviction that his destiny is to help his fellow men. And then there is love, the love that makes one lose one's wit, and so often makes one... ridiculous.
