Colette

Colette was the pen name of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, a renowned French author born on January 28, 1873, in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, France. She is best known for her novel 'Gigi', which was later adapted into a film and a stage production. Colette's work often explored themes of love, sexuality, and gender, and she was known for her vivid depictions of the lives of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her writing style was characterized by its lyrical prose and intimate portrayal of character psychology. Colette was also a mime, an actress, and a journalist. She was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 and is considered one of the most important French writers of her time. She passed away on August 3, 1954, in Paris.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Claudine

    "Claudine" is a series of four novels that narrate the life of a young woman named Claudine from her adolescence in a small French village, through her experiences at a Parisian boarding school, to her marriage and adult life in Paris. The novels are renowned for their vivid descriptions of the French countryside and the complex, sensual, and independent character of Claudine. They also explore themes of female sexuality, education, and the struggle for personal freedom in a restrictive society.

  2. 2. Tendrils of Vines

    "Tendrils of Vines" is a poignant narrative that explores the life of a young woman navigating her way through the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery in rural France. The protagonist's journey is beautifully intertwined with the growth and life of the vineyard she inherits, symbolizing her personal growth and resilience. The book paints a vivid picture of the French countryside and the art of winemaking, while delving into themes of femininity, independence, and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.

  3. 3. My Mother's House And Sido

    The book is a tender dual portrait that delves into the intimate realm of family life, presenting a vivid depiction of the author's childhood and the complex relationship with her mother. The first part is a nostalgic reflection on the author's familial home, a place imbued with memories and the nurturing presence of her mother. The second part focuses on the author's grandmother, Sido, offering a poignant character study filled with admiration and affection. Through evocative prose, the work captures the essence of a bygone era and the enduring bonds of maternal love, revealing the profound influence these maternal figures had on the author's development as a person and a writer.

  4. 4. Cheri

    "Cheri" is a tale of forbidden love set in the Belle Époque era of Paris. The story revolves around a beautiful, young man named Chéri and his passionate affair with Léa, a woman nearly twice his age. Despite their age difference and societal norms, they share a six-year relationship until Chéri's mother arranges for him to marry a woman his own age. The novel explores the themes of love, aging, and the passage of time, showcasing the complexities of their relationship and the consequences of their separation.

  5. 5. The Pure and the Impure

    "The Pure and the Impure" is a collection of vignettes and interviews that explore the spectrum of human sexuality and desire. The author draws from her own experiences and those of her friends and acquaintances, presenting a range of characters and situations that challenge conventional views of morality and propriety. The narrative provides an intimate and candid examination of love, lust, and everything in between, while also commenting on the social constraints and expectations of the time.

  6. 6. Green Wheat

    "Green Wheat" is a coming-of-age novella that captures the fleeting and poignant moments of adolescence through the eyes of its young protagonist, Vinca. Set during a summer holiday on the Brittany coast, the story delves into the complexities of first love and the bittersweet transition from childhood to adulthood. As Vinca and her childhood friend, Philippe, navigate the turbulent waters of their emotions and desires, they are confronted with the inevitable changes that time and experience bring to their once innocent relationship. The narrative is imbued with the author's characteristic sensual prose and keen observation of human nature, making it a tender and evocative exploration of youthful yearning and the awakening of sexual awareness.

  7. 7. Retreat From Love

    "Retreat From Love" is a sensual and introspective novel that explores the complexities of love and desire through the experiences of its protagonist, a young woman navigating the intricate dynamics of her romantic relationships. Set against the backdrop of the French countryside, the narrative delves into themes of independence, the nature of passion, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. As the protagonist engages with various lovers, each relationship reveals different facets of her character and the societal expectations placed upon her, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of her own identity and the meaning of true emotional connection.

  8. 8. Collected Stories

    "Collected Stories" is an anthology that brings together a diverse array of short stories by a renowned French writer, known for her keen observation of human nature and the intricacies of relationships. The stories are set against the backdrop of early 20th-century France and explore themes of love, sexuality, and femininity, often through the lens of the writer's own life experiences. With a sharp and evocative prose style, the collection delves into the lives of its characters—ranging from young ingenues to aging courtesans—revealing their innermost desires, struggles, and moments of self-discovery. The writer's work is celebrated for its lyrical quality and its pioneering portrayal of independent, complex female characters.