SPOILER ALERT!!! If you are not reading or planning to read Bel Ami book or script, then do not read this post or the comments. We are reading Bel Ami together and I want everyone to feel free to discuss openly. You should join us if you haven’t already! Go and catch up!!
This is my fault. I have clearly read way too much fan fiction and the way everyone was talking about this book, I thought all the sex would start right off the bat. Alas, I was wrong. ::sigh::
But that is okay. Because the book is not too bad. I like the build up of showing how down on his luck George Duroy is,
Was I the only one that pictured Duroy exactly like this, except with a mustache?!?
really a man at the bottom until he runs into his old friend and finds this whole other world. It’s almost like this little door is opened, and at this point, Duroy is just kinda peeking through. He has not turned into this guy that I know we can expect later on.
Right now, to me, Duroy is completely likable. Good looking, trying to make it, even sweet when it comes to handling the little girl, Laurine, at the dinner party. I totes had this picture of Rob holding a little girl and planting a little kiss on her forehead and I died! I have a thing for Daddy Rob, and I hope we get to see that in the movie, for sure.
I can’t figure out Madame Foriestier’s game, but inviting a man she barely knows, writing the article, smoking and wearing essentially a night gown? Hmmm… me thinks we may see something between her and Duroy as we read. In fact, I got kind of excited reading this chapter cause I really thought this was gonna be the beginning of it all, but it wasn’t. Just a big fat tease. Boo!
So far, I am having no issue picturing Rob in this role. With the few descriptions we’ve had so far of George, Rob does sound like a really good fit. Especially here in the beginning, when he seems very shy and self-depreciating. Many of the things he says, I can picture Rob’s face exactly. I’m not sure what the ‘stache is gonna look like, and as much as I hate to say it, if that part of the book goes away, I wouldn’t be angry. I hate mustaches. Like bunches. But it is not a deal breaker. No way. Not like jorts or man-pris.
And since a book club isn’t a club without some discussion, get on down to the comments and let me know what you think so far. P.S. If you have read ahead (I almost did, but wrote this first!), then don’t talk about future happenings. Let us experience them together all at the same time! 
Super Special Note…
If you are as excited as me about the movie Bel Ami, then you need to be checking out Bel Ami Film. This is an unofficial, fan-run site for the movie, and these ladies are doing a kick ass job of staying on top of everything about the film. Follow them on Twitter for all the latest! The site is not a spoiler-free zone, but they do a pretty good job of giving fair warning on the tweets, so if you are like me and haven’t read the script, you should be okay!
February 8th, 2010 at 1:55 am
hi i read BEL-AMI last year and when your article about george and MADAME FORRISTER AND YOU WERE LOOKING FOR ACTION I SMILE BECAUSE I KNEW THERE WAS NONE AT NOT AT THAT TIME
February 8th, 2010 at 7:10 am
This post is awesome Amber. I don’t plan on reading either the script or the book but I really like reading your review on it. I don’t mind being spoiled a bit
February 8th, 2010 at 7:12 am
[...] LTR ; LTT ; RAoR ; Rmw [...]
February 8th, 2010 at 8:30 am
It’s really good so far! I’m enjoying the read and the slow burn, as you mentioned. I have a feeling it’s going to heat up. And I also think you’re right about Duroy and Madame Foriestier. Something’s bound to happen.
I’m also glad there will be a little bit of humor (I hope) in the movie, too. The scene where Duroy comes across all the mirrors? Can’t wait to see that on film.
The one thing that struck me was Duroy’s self-deprecating nature (thus far). Somehow, I don’t think Rob will have a problem with this!
So, we have Robward. And we have Tybert. What are we going to call this character? I’m voting for Robroy. What do you think?
February 8th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Yes, the mirrors were great! Really hope that is the film. Will be much better then the last scene where he checked himself in the mirror…
And Robroy is HILARIOUS! Love it!
February 9th, 2010 at 8:06 am
Glad you like the Robroy terminology.
I figured since the character is referred to consistently as Duroy, Robroy was just the natural follow.
And as I’m sure you figured out, for me, Rob + print journalism (even if if it’s in 1800s France) = me in a pile of mush on the floor. Rob as a journalist will die me for sure. I’m grinning like Cheshire cat just thinking about it!
At this point (I’m about 1/3 of the way through the book), I’m not sure Duroy is entirely unlikable. This book is an interesting study in making attempts to better yourself can go too far. At least in my opinion …
February 9th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Yeah, after reading through chapter 6, I’m not really feeling very sorry Duroy anymore. But I will save that discussion for next week!
February 21st, 2010 at 9:13 am
So Im catching up this morning, getting ready to read the next 3. Is DuRoy teetering on the end of the shadiness scale or what?! He has no issue accepting pity beers, pity job offers, pity money and you can see his head getting turned by this rich lifestyle… It’s like when you see an accident coming – you just know this is going to get bad… And how crazy is Mme. Forestier? What is her game? Her and her husband both… Something’s up. LOL. Thanks for starting this Amber!
February 21st, 2010 at 9:01 am
Oh man, the scene with the mirrors is going to be great! This is the passage in the first 3 chapters that really struck me. Can’t wait for Rob to tackle this.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Amber, I’m all about “Robroy” in this film. Thanks for doing this bookclub; I’ve been wanting to discuss this with other women!
I think Georges begins as likeable only because he’s so down on his luck, but for me, he becomes Machiavellian very quickly. The looking in the mirror is the beginning of where everything “clicks” in his head about how to get what he wants.
Have you noticed, by the way, that Rob seems to take roles that are simultaneously hero and villain? Characters who are both likeable and loathesome? I’ll just throw that idea out there…
I can’t hate him even when I want to because he seems more like a typical man than most men would admit. He’s horribly insecure but hides it with bravado.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:59 am
I’m waiting for him to turn from likable to ick very soon. I do see the moment in front of the mirror as the beginning. But it almost came off, to me, as more of a pep talk. Like, yeah, you look the part so roll with it.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Shades of Art from How To Be? lol
February 10th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Likeable and loathesome – good catch, Beth!
Rob does seem to be drawn to those roles, probably because they are far more truly human than one-dimensional characters are and therefore more interesting to play.
We all have good and bad sides. From things he has said in interviews, I believe Rob is very introspective and understands these facets of himself. Being able to bring such disparate parts of a complicated character to the screen in a balanced manner is not easy. I have no doubt that Rob can do it, though.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Thanks Amber:) I’ll try to catch up with the reading:) but if I don’t , I know I can count on your reviews along with the other pattinh00rs:) anyway… Daddy ROB sounds sweet:) given a new meaning to : Who’s your daddy??? LOL
Robroy sounds Great!! LOL
thanks girls:)
February 8th, 2010 at 10:02 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Amber and Amber, I ♥ sparkly things . I ♥ sparkly things said: Omg I just starting reading that today RT @AmberRMW: Bel Ami Book Club -Chap1-3..Um,when does the sexing start again?: http://wp.me/pr8xN-MY [...]
February 8th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Hi I read Bel Ami as soon as I knew he was playing this part. I also liked George at the beggining of book, but by the end of story I really was pissed off with the character, you will keep on reading and find out by yourself. Dispite of that, I could totally make an image of Rob playing DuRoy, he is PERFECT for this role, I’m sure he will be great on it!!!! In fact, while reading I always thought nobody else can play this character but ROB.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Yeah, I have a feeling I will not like the character as we go. He is showing signs, but I’m still too sympathizing towards him right now. Plus, I picture Rob with a sad puppy dog face and that is not helping me.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
That review is spot on and yes by the end of the book you really do despise him, and yes I think Rob will do an absolutely fantastic job with this, definately could picture him as George!
February 8th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
So I am about halfway through I think. This might require a reread to fully understand what is going on. Everything just happens so fast in this book! Im glad I found this so I can rehash what has been happening. Hope the mirrors scene is in the movie. I hope I won’t get the daggers from everyone but Uma playing Madame Foriestier..I just keep seeing her in Kill Bill. I dont know. I feel like this would be an awesome black and white film back in the old days where the films are sped up and you don’t hear anyone speak but see their mouths move. This is from the movie Metropolis, around the 2 minute mark, I think this would be awesome to make the movie into!
Until the next few chapters!
February 8th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I’m not a fan of Kill Bill, or Quinton Terantino (sp?), so I have no probs with her in the movie and not having issues with that.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:06 am
I agree about the Uma thing – I’m finding it really challenging to picture but it IS only the first three chappies, maybe it will click for me later.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Ok…sorry I just finished the book and I can’t wait to find out who is going to play all these people! Does anyone else have a hard time keeping the characters straight or is it just me?
February 9th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
I finished the book a few weeks ago. Georges starts off as a likeable sort of guy, someone who is trying to get somewhere in life. It is also an interesting comment on living on credit and never making enough money to live the good life. I think that the author really captured the feel of Paris in the late 1800′s.
By the way, dont expect sexing like in fan fiction…..the book uses words like copulate……
I’ll leave my other comments for when you catch up to the next chapters…..
February 9th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Oh, I didn’t expect FF sexing. Sometimes, believe it or not, the FF sex scenes are a little too much for me. ::GASP:: #truth
February 9th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
So with you on that. I agree wholeheartedly. #okwithfadetoblack #trufax
February 10th, 2010 at 12:06 am
No sexting yet, which was disappointing! However, I thought the character development was really engaging. George is painted as a rather down on his luck sort of guy and you can’t help but feel a little sorry for him. That being said, I think he’s also pretty shameless. I mean, he has no problems taking money from an old friend who he hadn’t seen in ages or accepting his pity job offer. Not that I’m saying he shouldn’t have, because when opportunity knocks you should always answer, but most men let their pride (and/or ego!) get in the way of accepting anything that even resembles charity. Apparently pride is not a big issue for George. He basically lets his friend’s wife write his article for him and then has no qualms about turning it in as his own work. Sounds like this man will do whatever (or whomever) it takes to get what he wants out of life. I for one can’t wait for him start taking advantage of, manipulating and using many, many, many women. Bring on the sexting!
February 10th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Um… I meant sexing not sexting. Lol! I have to assume George didn’t have an iPhone back them.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I wanted to read ahead as well, but I stopped myself.
I also can easily picture Rob in this role, and can almost hear him saying the words. My question is whether the characters will all affect French accents or if they will speak with their own dialect and let the story carry the locale?
I think poor French accents would bother me more than a variety of them.
February 12th, 2010 at 12:16 am
[...] All these pics, plus some more, can be found over at Bel Ami Film. Awesome blogger buddies of mine are running that site, so you need to go have a visit! And are reading Bel Ami with me? Part of my discussion Monday will be whether these pics fit our vision… Get caught up and join me!! [...]
February 15th, 2010 at 12:16 am
[...] Already read Chaps 1-3?! [...]
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
I was so worried about getting caught up that I didn’t stop to discuss after chapter 3 and I wish I had. George does start out very likable and I can definitely see Rob in the role.
I loved the mirrors too. It did make me think of Art and I hope that makes it to the movie. I’m very easily picturing this in my head, which isn’t always so easy for me.
March 1st, 2010 at 12:17 am
[...] Already read Chaps 1-3?! [...]
March 15th, 2010 at 12:16 am
[...] Already read Chaps 1-3?! [...]
April 7th, 2010 at 10:19 am
This book review is great