GEORGES SIMENON: "Maigret en los bajos fondos" Capítulo 1

"Maigret in the Lower Depths" is a novel by Georges Simenon, published in 1950, in which Inspector Maigret delves into the world of Paris's flea markets to investigate a murder that occurred in a modest local hotel. Far from orthodox methods, Maigret chooses to immerse himself in this world of street vendors, tavern owners, and petty criminals, seeking to understand their codes and unspoken secrets rather than extract quick confessions. The investigation leads him to unravel a complex web of human relationships where the past and family secrets play a fundamental role. The novel is notable for its somber and realistic atmosphere and for portraying a Maigret more connected to the street than to his office, demonstrating his profound empathy even for the most marginalized characters.