This book is actually three separate, early works by André Gide, but they fit together perfectly. They're all about people at a crossroads, questioning everything they thought they knew.

The Story

First up is Philoctète. You might know him from Greek myth—the guy with Hercules' bow, abandoned on an island. Gide's version is less about action and more about a lonely man wrestling with his purpose. His powerful bow is also the thing that makes him an outcast. Next is The Treatise of the Narcissus. Forget the simple 'vanity' tale. Here, Narcissus is an artist figure. He's so captivated by his own perfect reflection in a pool that he chooses to stay there, letting his body wither, to preserve the ideal image. It's a strange and haunting take on sacrificing real life for perfect art. Finally, El Hadj follows a pilgrim who returns from Mecca filled with a new, pure faith. He finds his wealthy hometown shallow and corrupt. His struggle isn't with others, but with his own disgust and the impossible choice between compromising or leaving again.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current these stories feel. Gide isn't giving easy answers. He's showing us the cost of being different, whether you're an artist, a believer, or just someone who can't pretend anymore. Philoctète's isolation, Narcissus's fatal commitment to an idea, El Hadj's crushing disillusionment—they're all versions of the same pain that comes with seeing too clearly. The writing is sharp and clean, not flowery. It leaves room for you to think. I found myself pausing after each story, just turning the ideas over.

Final Verdict

This is a book for thinkers and questioners. It's perfect if you enjoy philosophical fiction like Camus or Sartre, but want to see where some of those ideas started. It's also great for anyone who loves myth retellings that dig deeper. Don't expect a fast-paced plot; the action is all internal. But if you're in the mood for something short, dense, and profoundly unsettling in the best way, this collection is a hidden gem. It's a masterclass in saying a lot with a little.