Author
Colette
1873-1954
Colette (1873-1954) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Colette
Sido; suivi de Les vrilles de la vigne
"Sido; suivi de Les vrilles de la vigne" by Colette is an autobiographical work published in 1929. The book offers an intimate portrait of Colette's childhood in rural Burgundy, centered on her extraordinary mother, Sidonie Landoy, nicknamed Sido. Through poetic prose, Colette explores her family members: her nature-loving, independent mother; her disciplined father, a former military captain; and her spirited siblings she calls "the savages." This lyrical memoir celebrates the people and landscapes that shaped her youth, weaving together memory, nature, and the profound bonds of family life.
Le blé en herbe: roman
"Le blé en herbe: roman" by Colette is a novel published in 1923. Set during a summer vacation in Brittany, it follows two Parisian teenagers, Phil and Vinca, childhood friends who discover the complexities of love and desire. While Vinca awakens to her power of seduction, Phil becomes involved with the mysterious, older Mme Dalleray. As summer ends, both adolescents must confront how their relationship will change and recognize that their childhood innocence is slipping away forever.
Rêverie de Nouvel An
"Rêverie de Nouvel An" by Colette is a collection of reflective essays written in the early 20th century. This work encapsulates Colette's intimate musings on the passing of time, nature, and the human experience, particularly as they pertain to the New Year. Through her unique lens, Colette explores themes of nostalgia, solitude, and the interplay between memory and the present moment. In "Rêverie de Nouvel An," Colette opens with a vivid portrayal of the delights and tranquility of a snowy Parisian winter, where she finds herself enveloped in memories of childhood and the traditional significance of New Year's Day. As the narrative unfolds, she weaves experiences of joy and warmth shared with her beloved dogs, juxtaposed against her contemplations of solitude and the relentless passage of time. The essays reflect her keen observations of nature's beauty while also delving into the emotional depths of her own life, marked by the transformative power of change and the acceptance of aging. Ultimately, Colette's prose captures a delicate balance between loss and hope, making her reflections resonate profoundly with readers.
La maison de Claudine
"La maison de Claudine" by Colette is an autobiographical work published in 1922. Through brief, vivid scenes, Colette recalls her joyful childhood in the French countryside, bringing to life her mother Sido, her father, siblings, and beloved pets. Each chapter captures a moment or memory—her mother's anxious calls, family dynamics, village characters, and the animals that populated her world. These intimate portraits reveal the deep bonds and everyday magic of her youth in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, creating a mosaic of provincial French life.
Chéri
"Chéri" by Colette is a novel published in 1920. It tells the story of an affair between Léa, a forty-nine-year-old retired courtesan, and Chéri, her lover of six years who is twenty-five. When Chéri prepares to marry a young woman his own age, both he and Léa must confront what their relationship truly means. Set against the backdrop of Parisian high society, this intimate portrait explores aging, desire, and the painful recognition of love discovered too late.
Les heures longues, 1914-1917
"Les heures longues, 1914-1917" by Colette is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book provides a poignant exploration of life during World War I, focusing on the personal experiences and reflections of various characters as they navigate the impacts of war on their lives and society. Central to the narrative are figures connected by the war's unfolding events, capturing the blend of everyday life with the pervasive atmosphere of conflict and loss. The opening of the novel introduces the setting of Saint-Malo in August 1914, a time when the prospect of war seems distant and almost unreal. As the narrative unfolds, we witness a gradual awakening to the harsh realities of war through the eyes of different characters, such as a fishermen's widow and the townsfolk reacting to the mobilization announcement. The scenes vividly depict the emotional turmoil and confusion that accompany the onset of conflict as daily life is disrupted by the growing fear and uncertainty brought on by the war. Colette masterfully captures these moments, blending beauty with sorrow, as characters confront their new and disquieting realities while clinging to memories of peace and happiness.
La Fin de Chéri
"La Fin de Chéri" by Colette is a novel published in 1926. This sequel follows Chéri after World War I as he struggles to find purpose in a transformed society. His wife and mother have become independent, his former lover Léa has aged, and the world he once knew has vanished. Adrift and unable to adapt to post-war life, Chéri searches desperately for meaning while growing increasingly isolated from everyone around him.
Barks and Purrs
"Barks and Purrs" by Colette is a charming collection of writings that captures the lives and thoughts of household pets, specifically a dog named Toby-Dog and a cat named Kiki-the-Demure, likely written in the early 20th century. Through whimsical dialogue and vivid characterizations, readers are introduced to the unique perspectives of these beloved pets as they reflect on their surroundings, experiences, and their relationships with their human companions. The opening of the collection sets a delightful tone, presenting Toby-Dog and Kiki-the-Demure in a relaxed afternoon ambiance as they engage in conversation. Toby laments his discomfort caused by flies and his busy mind, while Kiki exudes an air of indifference, attributing her apparent lethargy to the heat. Their exchanges are filled with humor and personality, giving insight into their individual characters as Toby's eager and naive demeanor contrasts sharply with Kiki's aloofness and complexity. This interplay of banter not only entertains but also lays a foundation for the thematic exploration of companionship, identity, and the often unspoken bond between humans and their pets throughout the collection.
L'Ingénue Libertine
"L'Ingénue Libertine" by Colette is a novel published in 1909. Young Minne, a pretty girl from a respectable Parisian family, finds herself bored with her comfortable, predictable life. She secretly dreams of criminals and adventure, reading about bandits in the newspaper. One night, she ventures into Paris seeking excitement. Years later, married to her cousin Antoine, Minne pursues pleasure outside her unfulfilling marriage. But happiness may arrive when she least expects it.