A story of ambition and failure, "325,000 Francs "is remarkable for its dramatic construction, vivid characterization and clear, economical style. Psychological interest centers on the relationship between the characters of Bernard and Marie-Jeanne, but they are also shown in their social setting. The presence of an observer-narrator involves the reader in a challenging way, while leaving open the interpretation of a novel which, in Vailland's words has, "toutes les faces possibles de la realite."

Acknowledgements Photograph: Roger Vailland a Meillonnas, 1955 Map ; Oyonnax and the Ain Department Introduction 1. Roger Vailland 2. The Place of 325 000 francs in Vailland's work 3. 325 000francs: external sources 4. The Author as narrator 5. Social relationships in 325 000 francs 6. Personal relationships in 325 000 francs 7. 325 000 francs: structure and imagery 8. Interpretations of 325 000 francs 9. Critical reception of 325 000 francs Notes to the Introduction Select Bibliography 325 000 francs Notes to the text