oh yes
https://amzn.com/k/gnMNIrJMQtWGFMLQSg0y2g
In Paris, Julien’s relationship with Madame de Rênal would soon have been resolved quite simply; but in Paris, love is the child of novels. The young tutor and his timid mistress, after reading three or four novels or listening to songs at the Théâtre du Gymnase, would certainly have clarified their relationship. Novels would have taught them what their roles should be and shown them examples to imitate; and sooner or later, perhaps even without any joy, perhaps even reluctantly, but with such an example before him, Julien would have followed it involuntarily, out of vanity.