The Gods are Athirst

"The Gods are Athirst" by Anatole France is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it follows Évariste Gamelin, a passionate painter and fervent revolutionary, as he grapples with the tumult of political upheaval and personal turmoil. The narrative explores themes of liberty, the essence of virtue, and the cost of fanaticism in the pursuit of a just society. The opening of the novel sets the stage in a church that has been repurposed for revolutionary gatherings, blending the sacred with the political. Évariste Gamelin attends one such assembly where he is encouraged to participate in politically charged discussions and sign a petition calling for the expulsion of traitorous members of the Convention. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to Gamelin's inner struggles with art, love, and revolution, while he becomes increasingly involved in the radical politics of his time. This portion of the book effectively captures the intense atmosphere of revolutionary Paris, illustrating Gamelin's fervent beliefs and foreshadowing the personal and societal conflicts that will ensue.