Zadig

Zadig or, The Book of Fate is both a novel and a work of philosophical fiction. Presenting life as in the control of destiny beyond any human control, the book presents questions about religion and the metaphysical. Because of its elaborate and skillful use of juxtaposition, contradiction and form, it is considered Voltaire's most celebrated work after Candide. The work tells the story of Zadig, a philosopher in ancient Babylonia who finds himself in love with women who always seem to be involved in other relationships. One such woman is the Queen of Babylon, Astarte. In his adventures to woo and ultimately marry the queen despite her being married to the King of Babylon, Zadig encounters various people and solves their problems. While walking along the river Euphrates, Zadig happens upon a hermit reading the Book of Destinies, learns that his helping others has left him in Fate's good favor, and is given the answers to win over the queen and defeat her husband in the famous Enigma challenge.