First published in 1908, Tristan Bernard's Les moyens du bord (which translates roughly to 'Making Do' or 'The Means at Hand') is a sharp and witty snapshot of early 20th-century Parisian life, wrapped in a story that still feels relevant today.

The Story

The plot follows a respectable, middle-class man whose life is built on a foundation of careful routine and modest security. Then, out of the blue, a financial or social disaster strikes—maybe a lost job, a bad debt, or a scandal. His comfortable existence vanishes. The rest of the book is a domino effect of his attempts to fix things. He leans on friends, hatches shaky plans, and tries to present a calm face to the world while internally panicking. It's a comedy of errors driven by sheer human desperation.

Why You Should Read It

Bernard has a genius for observing human nature. His main character isn't a hero; he's just a guy trying not to drown. You'll cringe at his awkward schemes, but you'll also root for him because his fear of losing face is so universal. The book is light on its feet—funny, a bit satirical, and surprisingly kind. It reminds us that the scramble to 'make do' is a timeless human experience.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories or classic European humor. It's for readers who like their social commentary served with a smile, not a lecture. If you appreciate authors like P.G. Wodehouse for their wit or enjoy seeing the gears of a farce click into place, you'll find a lot to love in this charming, forgotten gem.