The Vagabond by Collette
Colette's novel tells the story of a young Parisian woman who is reduced to working as a "mime" in musical halls after her brief and disastrous marriage to a total cad ends, leaving her alone in the world. She enjoys the independence and autonomy her new working life affords her, so when the perfect suitor appears -- he's young, handsome, kind, devoted, and rich -- she balks when he proposes marriage. Is it worth it to her to lose her freedom and become a wife? She decides that it is not, and promptly departs on a tour of South American.
The Vagabond is engaging and the characters and locations are wonderfully vivid. Colette delights and excels in sensually describing the natural world, and as a result the book seems almost fragrant and lush. The character of the suitor seems somewhat rigged to facilitate our heroine's decision -- it would be more fun if he were slightly more of a contender. A fresh and engaging exploration of the evolving relationship between men and women in the early 20th century.
a young Collette
to see more photographs of the young Collette visit:
Comments