First published by John Murray in 1954. English language translation by Irene Ash published in 1955.
I registered my copy of this book at BookCrossing
108 pages towards Olivia's fun August Reading Challenge to read an average of 50 pages each day throughout the month. Total = 605.
Where to buy this book:
Abebooks |
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How I got this book:
Bought from a book sale in Harlech, Wales
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The French Riviera: home to the Beautiful People. And none are more beautiful than Cécile, a precocious seventeen-year-old, and her father Raymond, a vivacious libertine. Charming, decadent and irresponsible, the golden-skinned duo are dedicated to a life of free love, fast cars and hedonistic pleasures. But then, one long, hot summer Raymond decides to marry, and Cécile and her lover Cyril feel compelled to take a hand in his amours, with tragic consequences.
Bonjour Tristesse scandalized 1950s France with its portrayal of teenager terrible Cécile, a heroine who rejects conventional notions of love, marriage and responsibility to choose her own sexual freedom.
I can imagine how shocking Bonjour Tristesse must have been to a 1950s audience, but I don't think that it has dated well. It is essentially a very early Young Adult novella. Its protagonist, our narrator Cecile, is such a spoilt hedonist that I couldn't empathise with her at all and the other characters are disappointingly shallowly portrayed. The storyline did hold my interest, but I couldn't help repeatedly wondering if this book was written now whether it would even get to publication, let alone become such a classic. Its reputation means I am glad to have finally read Bonjour Tristesse, but to the claims for its brilliance that usually centre around Sagan only having been seventeen when she wrote this I would reply that yes, that shows!
Search Lit Flits for more:
Books by Francoise Sagan / Novellas / Books from France
Great review. I have heard mixed reviews about this. On one hand, nowadays the plot does not seem shocking and we can see its flaws. But I guess it would be interesting to see what society consider shocking those days.
ReplyDeleteCarmen / Carmen`s Reading Corner
Agreed! It's interesting as a historical snapshot
DeleteI love seeing that there is a reference to the August Reading Challenge at the top of the review! I am sorry you couldn't enjoy this as much as you wanted to! Sometimes, books are written perfectly for the current time they were published in and they stay that way.
ReplyDeleteExactly my thoughts
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