Atlantida

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Atlantida

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Set in the harsh Sahara, this psychological fantasy follows Lieutenant Ferrières and Captain de Saint-Avit on a geological mission that uncovers a lost civilization. Blending romance, myth, and drama, the novel explores a mysterious queen claiming descent from Atlantis who traps men in a cycle of obsession and death, challenging the boundaries between reality and delirium.

Summary up to 500 words

In Pierre Benoit's *Atlantida*, Lieutenant Olivier Ferrières writes a manuscript from the Bordj at Hassi-Inifel, documenting his impending mission into the Tuareg lands alongside Captain de Saint-Avit. Officially a geological survey, the expedition harbors a deeper, terrifying mystery. Upon arrival, they are hosted by Professor Le Mesge, who reveals the horrifying secret of the 'Red Marble Hall.' This chamber contains the preserved remains of explorers who died of a singular, destructive 'love' for Antinea, the granddaughter of the Atlantean queen. These men, including Ferrières' childhood friend Louis de Maillefeu, were metalized in orichalch and placed in niches surrounding a central throne. The Professor explains that Antinea possesses immense power, separating love from mere passion. She demands total devotion, destroying those who approach her. Captain de Saint-Avit has already succumbed to this madness, having lost his comrade Morhange. The narrative shifts to Saint-Avit's perspective, detailing his six-year pursuit of Antinea. He rejects societal norms and the memory of his dead friend, choosing instead to embrace the 'mysterious love' that awaits him. The story concludes with Saint-Avit preparing to join Antinea, accepting his fate in the red marble hall, while Ferrières realizes the circle of obsession is complete. The novel explores themes of fatalistic obsession, the corruption of love, and the clash between civilized society and the primal, destructive allure of the unknown. The tone is one of dread and inevitable doom, as the characters are trapped in a cycle of destruction orchestrated by the enigmatic Antinea.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/pierre-benoit_atlantida.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-34257dc631477f45.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-06-30 23:09 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Fantasy
• French Literature