Despite its title. 'The Effeminates' has nothing to do with sexuality. Instead, it's a satire on the fickle natures of Parisians and those who work in the Chamber of Deputies (a French parliamentary body). According to Maupassant's observations, these 'man-girls' are a bane of society, forever changing their minds, following their whimsies, and plotting behind the backs of even their closest friends. An interesting psychological snapshot of 19th Century France, 'The Effeminates' is a welcome addition to any library.