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Gigi, Julie de Carneilhan, and Chance Acquaintances: Three Short Novels
Two volumes of Colette's most beloved works, with a new Introduction by Judith Thurman.
Perhaps Colette's best-known work, Gigi is the story of a young girl being raised in a household more concerned with success and money than with the desires of the heart. But Gigi is uninterested in the dishonest society life she observes all around her and remains exasperatingly Gigi. The tale of Gigi's success in spite of her anxious family is Colette at her liveliest and most entertaining. Written during the same period as Gigi, Julie de Carneilhan, based on Colette's last years with her second husband, focuses on a contest of wills between Julie, an elegant woman of forty, and her ex-husband. Chance Acquaintances, a novella, involves an invalid wife, her philandering husband, and a music-hall dancer whose odd meeting at a French spa affects and indelibly marks each one of their lives.
Perhaps Colette's best-known work, Gigi is the story of a young girl being raised in a household more concerned with success and money than with the desires of the heart. But Gigi is uninterested in the dishonest society life she observes all around her and remains exasperatingly Gigi. The tale of Gigi's success in spite of her anxious family is Colette at her liveliest and most entertaining. Written during the same period as Gigi, Julie de Carneilhan, based on Colette's last years with her second husband, focuses on a contest of wills between Julie, an elegant woman of forty, and her ex-husband. Chance Acquaintances, a novella, involves an invalid wife, her philandering husband, and a music-hall dancer whose odd meeting at a French spa affects and indelibly marks each one of their lives.
309 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
About the author
Colette
595 books1,529 followersColette was the pen name of the French novelist and actress Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. She is best known, at least in the English-speaking world, for her novella Gigi, which provided the plot for a famous Lerner & Loewe musical film and stage musical. She started her writing career penning the influential Claudine novels of books. The novel Chéri is often cited as her masterpiece.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 17, 2023
If pages were calories, this wouldn't fill my day's allowance. That's the nature of novellas. They are brief. Yet, so is life and love sometimes. In Julie de Carneilhan and Chance Acquaintances, that's the meat of it.
A lesser hand would need more pages or would overdo the adjectives. Colette lets her characters speak for themselves. The result, from their boudoirs to cafe tables, is a purer flavor.
So, I was fortified by the robust Julie and confirmed in my experience that tragedy can strike at a time, to anyone, and chance acquaintances should come in small helpings.
A lesser hand would need more pages or would overdo the adjectives. Colette lets her characters speak for themselves. The result, from their boudoirs to cafe tables, is a purer flavor.
So, I was fortified by the robust Julie and confirmed in my experience that tragedy can strike at a time, to anyone, and chance acquaintances should come in small helpings.
April 15, 2014
What a companion is Colette!!Especially Colette!!
Especially when she puts herself into one of her stories, as she does with "Chance Acquaintances".
I've just read it for the fifth time in about 30 years and all I have ever been able to recall of each prior reading is "the pleasure of her company." The plot, the characters, the setting...all gone from my memory, as I just realised Colette suggests with "obliterated" in the last sentence in this slice of "hotel holiday life".
Of course the plot and the characters are wonderful!!!!But its the little asides and the descriptions I relish.
eg.describing her friend's huge square-cut diamonds and lozenge-shaped brilliants:"regular paving stones of jewellery".
Cursing her lack of backbone:"I was honest enough not to confuse it with a spirit of adventure. Who on earth put it into my head that I possess adventurous instincts? The very most of which I was capable was a hasty 'Yes' in the hopes of getting a bit of peace."
And:"to exaggerate the sorrows of love is tantamount to an indiscretion: that it reveals the lack of that precious faculty, a sense of the ridiculous."
"Adventures happen to people who......deserve them."
"Idleness cures all ills." What a treasure trove of wisdoms!!
Now "Gigi". I missed Colette. But her wit and wisdom were there behind the scenes. A little gem that you may read so quickly you don't even notice its punch, its turning topsy-turvy sexual traditions of Belle-Epoque Paris.A charmer!
And "Julie de Carneilhan".Mmmmm! Has never grabbed me. But this time, if I have matured with the passing years,the scales may drop from my eyes.Have read past Chapter One and no increase in maturity in sight ...yet!
RETURN FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION....WAYNE!!
WELL...HERE IT IS!!!!...Months later!!
I have taken up Chapter One of "Julie de Carneilhan" a few times and thought about taking it up MANY times in the several months since I wrote the above.
NOW!!! I have only TWO chapters to go and am champing at the bit, frothing at the mouth in my eagerness to relish this little classic.
AND this ALL happened in the last week!!!
What a bittersweet but totally UN-selfindulgent story this is.
Someone who can be so realistic about Love as Colette, yet can still suffer at its hands, flaunt the scars and declare her Emancipation is indeed an Ideal to follow.
Julie de C is in the throes of Emancipating herself from a charming Rat of a divorced second husband ,Comte Herbert d'Espivant.She is living an impecunious life in a studio and putting on a brave face.
We meet her friends and her brother Leon and his horses.That's it!!!whoops...AND finally the new wife of Herbert.
In between: one liners about Parisian weather. And Colette's (or Julie's) observations:
eg,She followed him out with her eye."There's white pack thread showing in his moustache and his nose is getting bigger.That's how the end starts , even with Carneilhans."(Having a meal in her studio with her brother, Leon.)
eg.The deep mauvish night closing over Paris warned her of Summer's end...(during the same meal)
eg.love seldom finds expression in gaiety.
eg. She called to mind those little festivities of the flesh, swiftly conducted and swiftly forgotten...
eg.Three, four years of improvised meals on a card-table(reflecting on her poverty without self-pity.)
eg.The storm, lightened by the shower, had drifted by without a downpour and now it was sailing up and away, opening its lips of fire across a pale yellow sunset.
Her encounters with her second ex, Herbert the Comte, are delicious, especially the last where the male vanity and hypocrisy are
also ...delicious. And her 28 year old admirer Coco Vatard is a sideline tale in itself.
Yes, I am a humble convert, admitting the errors of my ways, that I ever could have doubted "my Colette", again offering incense and being rewarded with that longing to return to Paris where I always end up at the wonderful Palais-Royal,several times, where Colette lived out her final years.
Amen!!!
Especially when she puts herself into one of her stories, as she does with "Chance Acquaintances".
I've just read it for the fifth time in about 30 years and all I have ever been able to recall of each prior reading is "the pleasure of her company." The plot, the characters, the setting...all gone from my memory, as I just realised Colette suggests with "obliterated" in the last sentence in this slice of "hotel holiday life".
Of course the plot and the characters are wonderful!!!!But its the little asides and the descriptions I relish.
eg.describing her friend's huge square-cut diamonds and lozenge-shaped brilliants:"regular paving stones of jewellery".
Cursing her lack of backbone:"I was honest enough not to confuse it with a spirit of adventure. Who on earth put it into my head that I possess adventurous instincts? The very most of which I was capable was a hasty 'Yes' in the hopes of getting a bit of peace."
And:"to exaggerate the sorrows of love is tantamount to an indiscretion: that it reveals the lack of that precious faculty, a sense of the ridiculous."
"Adventures happen to people who......deserve them."
"Idleness cures all ills." What a treasure trove of wisdoms!!
Now "Gigi". I missed Colette. But her wit and wisdom were there behind the scenes. A little gem that you may read so quickly you don't even notice its punch, its turning topsy-turvy sexual traditions of Belle-Epoque Paris.A charmer!
And "Julie de Carneilhan".Mmmmm! Has never grabbed me. But this time, if I have matured with the passing years,the scales may drop from my eyes.Have read past Chapter One and no increase in maturity in sight ...yet!
RETURN FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION....WAYNE!!
WELL...HERE IT IS!!!!...Months later!!
I have taken up Chapter One of "Julie de Carneilhan" a few times and thought about taking it up MANY times in the several months since I wrote the above.
NOW!!! I have only TWO chapters to go and am champing at the bit, frothing at the mouth in my eagerness to relish this little classic.
AND this ALL happened in the last week!!!
What a bittersweet but totally UN-selfindulgent story this is.
Someone who can be so realistic about Love as Colette, yet can still suffer at its hands, flaunt the scars and declare her Emancipation is indeed an Ideal to follow.
Julie de C is in the throes of Emancipating herself from a charming Rat of a divorced second husband ,Comte Herbert d'Espivant.She is living an impecunious life in a studio and putting on a brave face.
We meet her friends and her brother Leon and his horses.That's it!!!whoops...AND finally the new wife of Herbert.
In between: one liners about Parisian weather. And Colette's (or Julie's) observations:
eg,She followed him out with her eye."There's white pack thread showing in his moustache and his nose is getting bigger.That's how the end starts , even with Carneilhans."(Having a meal in her studio with her brother, Leon.)
eg.The deep mauvish night closing over Paris warned her of Summer's end...(during the same meal)
eg.love seldom finds expression in gaiety.
eg. She called to mind those little festivities of the flesh, swiftly conducted and swiftly forgotten...
eg.Three, four years of improvised meals on a card-table(reflecting on her poverty without self-pity.)
eg.The storm, lightened by the shower, had drifted by without a downpour and now it was sailing up and away, opening its lips of fire across a pale yellow sunset.
Her encounters with her second ex, Herbert the Comte, are delicious, especially the last where the male vanity and hypocrisy are
also ...delicious. And her 28 year old admirer Coco Vatard is a sideline tale in itself.
Yes, I am a humble convert, admitting the errors of my ways, that I ever could have doubted "my Colette", again offering incense and being rewarded with that longing to return to Paris where I always end up at the wonderful Palais-Royal,several times, where Colette lived out her final years.
Amen!!!
August 30, 2017
I recently saw the movie Gigi for the first time (super pervy!), and was interested in the book it was based off of. This is my first collection I have read of Colette's and I'm in love! The others two stories were autobiographical and I enjoyed them very much as well. I will definitely be reading her other works.
Read
May 6, 2021Surely I am missing something since Colette gets so much respect... but I didn't *ever* feel at home in this collection. The closest I came was 'Gigi,' which was pretty good apart from the ending. 'Julie' and 'Acquaintances' were just a bit... I dunno. The writing is stunning at times, but it's like, "who cares??" at a certain point. I attempted 'Cheri' a very short while ago and I felt a wave of familiar feeling come back—that such a large amount of fine detail was wasted on characters who were essentially so... "autonomous" that they were empty.(?) Anyway, that's my attempt at describing my dissatisfaction. It's a shame too because there *is* something about the decadence of the characters that is quite intriguing when you first dive in. As the story moves on, however, you get the sense that their circumstances are merely unusual rather than intriguing, and like a quirky little eccentricity you find endearing upon first meeting someone, the characters and their tics snowball to a point of utter irritation or exhaustion from the sheer predictability of it all. In the end, all that's left are the characters and their empty self-determination (in 'Julie' in particular, which is the gravest offender by virtue of its length). For the moment, I've read enough about middle aged socialites who admire themselves and their slender legs, flat/small stomachs, and breasts "like half-cut apples" in the mirror. Come to think of it maybe I'm set for the next few years, at least...
The writing might bring me back for a second try eventually, but we'll need to see about that.
The writing might bring me back for a second try eventually, but we'll need to see about that.
October 12, 2018
Gig is a surprisingly short novella; my biggest take-away from it is that I wanted more. It ended, as do all Disney stories, on the engagement/wedding, and it felt very sudden. I enjoyed the push-and-pull between the family members, but have to agree with Gigi -- I'm not into the mercenary bent that her family members have towards love. This, I think, is roughly 2 stars.
Julie de Carneilhan is a freaking masterpiece. Oh my gosh. The tension between Julie's desires and what's expected of her; the tension between frugality and opulence; her love of horses and simplicity and her family, and her pride in her family, and yet the dissolute Parisian life. She's not a character I identify with in many ways, but I see and recognize the dichotomies of her life. What a mirror. (and what a perfect ending to this one) 4 stars
Chance Acquaintances is another fantastic piece. Again, there is beautiful tension (the narrator's sympathy for Toni and at times for Mlle. d'Orgeville; her distrust of and dislike for Gerard), and a fully fleshed narrator with foibles and strengths all her own. Add in one of the most charming depictions of a cat I've ever seen in literature. 4 stars.
Julie de Carneilhan is a freaking masterpiece. Oh my gosh. The tension between Julie's desires and what's expected of her; the tension between frugality and opulence; her love of horses and simplicity and her family, and her pride in her family, and yet the dissolute Parisian life. She's not a character I identify with in many ways, but I see and recognize the dichotomies of her life. What a mirror. (and what a perfect ending to this one) 4 stars
Chance Acquaintances is another fantastic piece. Again, there is beautiful tension (the narrator's sympathy for Toni and at times for Mlle. d'Orgeville; her distrust of and dislike for Gerard), and a fully fleshed narrator with foibles and strengths all her own. Add in one of the most charming depictions of a cat I've ever seen in literature. 4 stars.
May 5, 2019
It is a literary adventure to read a fin de siècle coming-of-age novella about a young girl who dabbles in love as she learns to be a grown-up. Gigi is pre-modern prose; it’s not The Great Gatsby and it’s not Ship of Fools and it’s not an Oprah pick.
Gigi is a dialogue-rich rampage of transparent emotions, and it’s a quick read, which is a good thing, because too much of this kind of thing wouldn’t be a good thing.
This volume also includes Julie de Carneilhan and Chance Acquaintances, both by Colette.
Colette was all the rage 100 years ago in France, and she and her writing became more outrageously popular throughout her life. Her novels topped the charts, and she was comfortable living in her own style despite her celebrity.
By the way, if you’re of a mind, try Keira Knightley’s lush film performance in Colette (2018).
Read more of my book reviews and poems here:
www.richardsubber.com
Gigi is a dialogue-rich rampage of transparent emotions, and it’s a quick read, which is a good thing, because too much of this kind of thing wouldn’t be a good thing.
This volume also includes Julie de Carneilhan and Chance Acquaintances, both by Colette.
Colette was all the rage 100 years ago in France, and she and her writing became more outrageously popular throughout her life. Her novels topped the charts, and she was comfortable living in her own style despite her celebrity.
By the way, if you’re of a mind, try Keira Knightley’s lush film performance in Colette (2018).
Read more of my book reviews and poems here:
www.richardsubber.com
September 22, 2009
Colette's most known work, Gigi, is included in the volume of three short novels. While it is a charming story, I really like the other two better. They capture much more, for me at least, the spirit of what I think Paris was like during this time period. Also, they express the depths of the single female in a world where marriage rules but infidelity is as common as tea time.
February 20, 2012
Gigi - I think the context of when the story was written, where and under what circumstances is important in appreciating Gigi. Also, I like the Belle Epoque style. Otherwise, I didn't like the story. It was cheap, moralist nonsense, in terms of what it has to offer today. The old ladies are horrible - pressing Gigi to ditch her friends in order to climb the social ranks, learn fine table manners, bla bla bla, and at the same time, curtailing Gigi's desires to embrace womanly things (longer skirts, styled hair) in order to preserve her youth. And they're nasty to her. And then the "Moral" ending (according to the back of the book description) to me was only moral in that it forced Gigi to adhere to the despicable norms that women were held to. To me it was like the less-tortured, but no less evil morals that Marquis De Sade espoused in his stories. Yuck.
I haven't read the other two stories in this book... maybe I will someday.
I haven't read the other two stories in this book... maybe I will someday.
August 13, 2007
This book has two of my favorite stories from Colette. I've read Gigi some time ago, but recently read Julie De Carneilhan. I loved this story; it's the best I've read in such a long time, which is refreshing. Julie is completely not like anyone. But I think readers will find her relatable. I saw myself through some of her action, like "cursing jubilantly to herself" while answering the phone or making a purple carnation to wear, only to throw it away an hour later, fearful of what others will think of it. I completely felt for her in her triumphs and losses, and cheered for her at the end. This story will be an absolute favorite for now on. Chance Acquaintances is a memoir of Colette's stage days. I thought it was somewhat boring, so I didn't finish it. But I still love this book because of Julie. :)
September 13, 2023
I was recommended this book by a random man selling novels out of the trunk of his pick up in Barrio Logan. At first glance it looked like a bit of a flop as I had no prior interest in reading Parisian classics but I decided to give it a go anyways. With the conclusion of reading this book I’ve fallen in love with Colette. She is a genius writer and capture anguish, love and treachery in such a way that is totally original. I do see how this book could be hit or miss but it was absolute slam dunk for me. I will be searching for the man who sells books from his truck again. Eager for a new recommendation.
May 6, 2008
I read somewhere in an biography of Colette that Julie de Carneilan is the closest she came to writing about her second marriage.
So beautifully told. Not at all sentimental.
So beautifully told. Not at all sentimental.
March 26, 2024
consensus is that colette intended the end of Gigi to be read as happy? because the child's john proposes? “charming! delightful!”
Chance Acquaintances drags. Julie de Carneilhan is best.
Pretty Baby
The Lover
Voyage in the Dark
4 stars
Chance Acquaintances drags. Julie de Carneilhan is best.
Pretty Baby
The Lover
Voyage in the Dark
4 stars
April 20, 2012
I actually prefer the movie version over the short story for Gigi. Sure, the movie is more of a sugarcoated version- that probably has to do with the fact that it's a musical. But I find that a singing Gaston is less creepy than as he is portrayed in the novella. Somehow, I don't think that Gigi and Gaston are destined to receive a happily ever after- at least, not in Colette's short story if it were continued. But then again, Colette does not generally provide happy endings for her characters- especially not in the romantic sense.
So many of Colette's protagonists are divorced and unlucky at love- maybe that's why I can't help but imagine such an ending for the young Gigi as she grows up in her marriage to Gaston (that is, if they ever make it past the affianced stage). I find it ironic that in the second short story, Julie de Carneilhan is like a more mature version of Gigi. Colette describes both of these women as beautiful and slender, with blue eyes and ash blonde hair. I just can't shake off the feeling that if Colette had continued the story with Gigi and Gaston, it would have ended in a divorce (much like Julie's divorce to her first husband), but only following several affairs on Gaston's part.
And yet, I did like the story of Gigi- probably because it's the precursor to the movie.
So many of Colette's protagonists are divorced and unlucky at love- maybe that's why I can't help but imagine such an ending for the young Gigi as she grows up in her marriage to Gaston (that is, if they ever make it past the affianced stage). I find it ironic that in the second short story, Julie de Carneilhan is like a more mature version of Gigi. Colette describes both of these women as beautiful and slender, with blue eyes and ash blonde hair. I just can't shake off the feeling that if Colette had continued the story with Gigi and Gaston, it would have ended in a divorce (much like Julie's divorce to her first husband), but only following several affairs on Gaston's part.
And yet, I did like the story of Gigi- probably because it's the precursor to the movie.
July 21, 2019
I read Gigi after I watch the 1958 musical adaptation. For once this is the case in which the movie is better than the book.
Colette style is a fine one, describing with detail the elegance of the Paris during 1900s and also providing great descriptions of the main characters, specially the little girl soon-to-be courtesan. But the story is kind of dull if you've already seen it with music, dances and the lovely Leslie Caron.
I'm kind of disappointed with myself that I didn't feel the passion or the emotion one gets when reading Colette and being transported to the city of lights during it's belle époque.
The other novels: Julie de Carneilhan and Chance Acquaintances, both semi autobiographical, also show the not so private world of the Parisian elite, and how they spend their affairs during holidays in the country side.
I'm really sorry Madame Colette, for not finding the passion I expected on your work. But at least we'll always have Paris.
Colette style is a fine one, describing with detail the elegance of the Paris during 1900s and also providing great descriptions of the main characters, specially the little girl soon-to-be courtesan. But the story is kind of dull if you've already seen it with music, dances and the lovely Leslie Caron.
I'm kind of disappointed with myself that I didn't feel the passion or the emotion one gets when reading Colette and being transported to the city of lights during it's belle époque.
The other novels: Julie de Carneilhan and Chance Acquaintances, both semi autobiographical, also show the not so private world of the Parisian elite, and how they spend their affairs during holidays in the country side.
I'm really sorry Madame Colette, for not finding the passion I expected on your work. But at least we'll always have Paris.
January 9, 2013
Honestly, I liked Chance Acquaintances best. Julie de Carneilhan would make a good movie, and Gigi rules, of course, but Chance Acquaintances was truly compelling. Three great novellas from one of the most fascinating people I've ever read about!
Colette forevs! I plan to read all her stuff one day, but that day may not be today.
Gigi review:
This is one of the only books I have ever read that was less thorough than the film adaptation! Really good, though, and learning more about Colette via the introduction was fascinating. I sort of felt like Gigi and Gaston's affection for each other wasn't developed enough, but maybe that wasn't the point. Anyway, the idea of these women having comfortable lives being groomed as courtesans is so awesome and French while at the same time less liberating than you'd think.
Colette forevs! I plan to read all her stuff one day, but that day may not be today.
Gigi review:
This is one of the only books I have ever read that was less thorough than the film adaptation! Really good, though, and learning more about Colette via the introduction was fascinating. I sort of felt like Gigi and Gaston's affection for each other wasn't developed enough, but maybe that wasn't the point. Anyway, the idea of these women having comfortable lives being groomed as courtesans is so awesome and French while at the same time less liberating than you'd think.
Read
February 10, 2017I figured I’d give the Western version of the professional seducer a try, which in France once revolved around the demi-monde and the world of the demi-mondaine of la belle époque, namely the late 19th century . So Gigi, first published in 1944, came to mind. I even decided to read it in French, just to get the real feel for the language.
Well. This story certainly hasn’t stood the test of time, mainly because it’s … kinda simple, which is to say simplistic. Of course almost any treatment might have come off badly in the wake of Memoirs of a Geisha, truly a tough act to follow. But I think Gigi would have been uninteresting enough on its own.
I think the movie version with Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan and Maurice Chevalier singing “Zank ‘eavens for leetle girls” did a terrific job of making a less than stellar novella sing and dance.
Well. This story certainly hasn’t stood the test of time, mainly because it’s … kinda simple, which is to say simplistic. Of course almost any treatment might have come off badly in the wake of Memoirs of a Geisha, truly a tough act to follow. But I think Gigi would have been uninteresting enough on its own.
I think the movie version with Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan and Maurice Chevalier singing “Zank ‘eavens for leetle girls” did a terrific job of making a less than stellar novella sing and dance.
December 12, 2010
Colette has long been one of my favorite authors and I have several of her books on my favorites shelf. Every now and then I pull one down for a reread. Having just seen Gigi on TV, I thought it would be a good time to revisit that story and the two others that make up this volume. Gigi is a charming story, although the flyleaf says her family was preparing her to make a good match implying matrimony when in fact they were preparing her to do so as a courtesan. Julie de Carneilhan didn't grab me too much, I think I didn't sympathize with the heroine. I just wanted her to get over it (the it being her second husband). Chance Acquaintances is more typical Colette and I enjoyed that thoroughly.
January 6, 2014
Julie de Carneilhan
This is the story of a woman of a certain age (in her 50's) whose love life continues its complicated arc. She shares a secret friendship with her former husband, whom she still loves, while maintaining a relationship with a much younger lover, who very much wants to be her next husband. Meanwhile, she mends her clothes and snaps at her maid and economizes on food and wants... more.
This is a story that looks at love and passion and hope from both sides. A young and beautiful Julie marries the love of her life. But we follow an older, sadder, poorer Julie, who puzzles over the demise of her marriage and the ethics of leading on a very young man who is clearly in love with her.
I won't give away the ending. But the novella is a prize portrait.
This is the story of a woman of a certain age (in her 50's) whose love life continues its complicated arc. She shares a secret friendship with her former husband, whom she still loves, while maintaining a relationship with a much younger lover, who very much wants to be her next husband. Meanwhile, she mends her clothes and snaps at her maid and economizes on food and wants... more.
This is a story that looks at love and passion and hope from both sides. A young and beautiful Julie marries the love of her life. But we follow an older, sadder, poorer Julie, who puzzles over the demise of her marriage and the ethics of leading on a very young man who is clearly in love with her.
I won't give away the ending. But the novella is a prize portrait.
Read
March 14, 2013So far I've only read Gigi. This is one of the few times I have to say I liked the movie better, and in this case hands down. The characters in this laconic story were rather flat and hard to relate to. Furthermore, the story is so stark and the foundation for the romance so bare that when the mutual love the main characters have for each other is revealed, it feels jarring rather than sweet.
The introduction says Gigi, as an idealistic romance, was atypical for Colette, so I hope I hope I will find the stories more enjoyable. Speaking of which, the introduction was very interesting. I otherwise would not have guessed what a sexual libertine Colette was.
The introduction says Gigi, as an idealistic romance, was atypical for Colette, so I hope I hope I will find the stories more enjoyable. Speaking of which, the introduction was very interesting. I otherwise would not have guessed what a sexual libertine Colette was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2012
-> This volume has 3 short stories, but I've only read Gigi so far. I'll save the other two for later.
Gigi is Gilberte, a naive outspoken fifteen year old living with her mother and grandmother. While her mother is always absent as she works as singer at the opera, Gigi is being raised by her grandmother and her Aunt Alicia to become a courtesan.
Gaston Lachaille is a rich heir and a family friend who drops by for frequent visits. Gigi and Gaston get along very well but can things work out between them?
A delicious quote:
"Marriage is not forbidden to us. Instead of marrying 'at once', it sometimes happens that we marry 'at last'.
Gigi is Gilberte, a naive outspoken fifteen year old living with her mother and grandmother. While her mother is always absent as she works as singer at the opera, Gigi is being raised by her grandmother and her Aunt Alicia to become a courtesan.
Gaston Lachaille is a rich heir and a family friend who drops by for frequent visits. Gigi and Gaston get along very well but can things work out between them?
A delicious quote:
"Marriage is not forbidden to us. Instead of marrying 'at once', it sometimes happens that we marry 'at last'.
April 19, 2013
In February, I was passing a display table in the library with books that became oscar-winning movies. Gigi caught my attention. I picked up this book because I used to love watching Gigi as a kid - Thank heaven for little girls. I was surprised when I discovered that it was one of three short stories. Colette's short stories are about a girl coming of age, an older woman making new decisions, and a woman in love. All three women are strong and independent, but at the same time feminine and vulnerable. Collette must have been a very interesting woman to have written such stories in the 1950s.
September 9, 2016
Gigi was a delight to read. Quick and witty, with typical French descriptions of finding beauty and delight in simple scenes. I feel like the story is less a lesson in persistence and independence and more a lesson in luck, but all the same, it's a delightful read.
Julie de Carneilhan is much more cynical and sometimes outright depressing. This is a very different kind of love, and it's heart breaking. Still worth it to finish, since I couldn't help but be fascinated by Julie's indecisiveness in just about every aspect of her life and wondering whether she'd come through it. I feel as if Colette delighted in cliffhangers, but maybe that's the point.
Julie de Carneilhan is much more cynical and sometimes outright depressing. This is a very different kind of love, and it's heart breaking. Still worth it to finish, since I couldn't help but be fascinated by Julie's indecisiveness in just about every aspect of her life and wondering whether she'd come through it. I feel as if Colette delighted in cliffhangers, but maybe that's the point.
July 14, 2014
I started reading it because my writing teacher suggested it, saying Colette's subject matter seemed similar to my own. I found the first two stories incredibly charming and interesting, while the third one is a bit darker.
I'd recommend this for those interested in strong, feisty female characters, and they evolved so much within so few pages. There are many funny, clever lines, as well, which was part of the magic of the characters.
I'm definitely intrigued by Colette herself, and I plan to read her biography.
I'd recommend this for those interested in strong, feisty female characters, and they evolved so much within so few pages. There are many funny, clever lines, as well, which was part of the magic of the characters.
I'm definitely intrigued by Colette herself, and I plan to read her biography.
September 30, 2007
I've seen the musical Gigi with Leslie Caron so many times, I thought I should finally read the short story that inspired the movie. I finished Gigi and am planning to read Julie de Carneilhan when I have the time.
I found Colette's Gigi to be charming and vivacious. I especially enjoyed Colette's character descriptions and details. Hope I enjoy the other two short novels as well.
I found Colette's Gigi to be charming and vivacious. I especially enjoyed Colette's character descriptions and details. Hope I enjoy the other two short novels as well.
August 9, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Colette stories! Gigi is short and sweet and very similar to the film and stage adaptations (which makes sense as Colette participated in writing the adaptation). Julie was a bit boring and melodramatic in the middle for my tastes. But Chance Acquaintances was delightful - full of acerbic observations and an independent woman striking out alone with only her cat. Definitely worth reading! 4 stars
August 14, 2007
This book was my initiation into Colette's world. Captivating; but I like the Claudine stories a lot better (for their precociousness and roman a clef components). These are a little less mischievous.
July 5, 2011
Gigi: very good, but the ending rang false.
Julie de Carneilhan: beautiful style, even though the story was completely unmemorable.
Chance Acquaintances: excellent, the best of the lot.
Julie de Carneilhan: beautiful style, even though the story was completely unmemorable.
Chance Acquaintances: excellent, the best of the lot.
August 25, 2011
Having seen the movie on TV many times, I recognized whole paragraphs of the dialog in the book! According to the introduction, this story is one of her only stories with a happy ending.
Comments above apply only to 'Gigi'. There are two other novellas in this book
Comments above apply only to 'Gigi'. There are two other novellas in this book
January 4, 2014
Colette was an excellent observer of society life, and very witty and clever. She turns a good phrase or two, but overall I thought the writing was tortured. Chance Acquaintances was the best of the lot, the one I really enjoyed reading. I couldn't get through Julie de Carneilhan.
August 1, 2015
I decided to start reading Colette after reading her biography.Pretty fascinating.She's abit like the female version of Oscar Wilde. Reading Gigi reminds us that love conquers all, everything else doesn't matter.
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