Published in 1921, Anicet; or, The Panorama is Louis Aragon's first novel, and it throws you right into the chaotic, artistic ferment of post-WWI Paris. It’s less a traditional story and more of a philosophical romp dressed up as a crime spree.

The Story

We follow Anicet, a bright but detached young man. Bored with ordinary life, he hatches a plan: to become a ‘connoisseur of souls’ by becoming a master criminal. His goal isn’t wealth, but knowledge. He wants to see the hidden mechanisms of people’s hearts and minds by tricking them. He assembles a motley gang—including a painter, a poet, and various socialites—and they embark on a series of stylish, almost artistic, swindles. The plot moves from salon to salon, con to con, as Anicet observes the reactions of his ‘subjects.’ The central question becomes whether this clinical approach to human emotion will grant him wisdom or leave him completely empty.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast of youthful, rebellious energy. Aragon was deep in the Dada and early Surrealist movements, and you can feel it on every page. It’s witty, sharp, and deliberately absurd. Anicet is a frustrating but fascinating guide—you won’t always like him, but you’ll be glued to his experiment. The book feels like a manifesto against boredom and convention. It’s not about the crimes themselves, but about the dizzying freedom (and loneliness) of trying to live entirely by your own invented rules. It captures that specific feeling of being young, smart, and convinced you can figure life out through sheer intellect.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love unconventional narrators, modernist experimentation, and a heavy dose of Parisian atmosphere. If you enjoy books where style and ideas are the real protagonists, or if you’ve ever wondered about the works that paved the way for the Surrealists, this is a fascinating starting point. It’s short, packed with clever dialogue, and feels like a secret window into a brilliantly restless mind. Just don’t go in expecting a straightforward heist novel—the real heist is on reality itself.