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Gigi: A Belle Époque Coming-of-Age Story: Colette's Classic Tale of Love and Independence in Turn-of-the-Century Paris
A Belle Époque Coming-of-Age Story
From the pen of the legendary French novelist Colette comes this charming tale of innocence, wisdom, and unexpected love in the glittering world of Belle Époque Paris.Fifteen-year-old Gilberte—"Gigi" to her family—is being raised by her grandmother and aunt to follow in the footsteps of her beautiful mother, a singer at the Opéra-Comique. But not just any in this world of high-society courtesans and their wealthy protectors, these women have plans for Gigi's future that don't include romantic notions of love.
When Gaston Lachaille—the most eligible bachelor in Paris and longtime family friend—suddenly sees Gigi with new eyes, her family rejoices at their carefully orchestrated triumph. But Gigi, with her refreshing innocence and surprising wisdom, has other ideas.
In this sparkling new translation, Colette's witty, warm-hearted story comes alive for modern readers. Set against the sumptuous backdrop of turn-of-the-century Paris, with its elegant drawing rooms and fashionable cafés, "Gigi" is a timeless tale of a young woman who defies convention to forge her own path to happiness.
Though first published in 1944, this classic novella addresses surprisingly modern themes of independence, authenticity, and the courage to choose love on one's own terms. Colette's masterful prose creates an unforgettable portrait of a young woman coming of age in a world of strict social rules—and the defiant spirit that allows her to transcend them.
Rediscover this beloved classic that inspired the Oscar-winning film and Broadway musical, now freshly translated for a new generation of readers.
From the pen of the legendary French novelist Colette comes this charming tale of innocence, wisdom, and unexpected love in the glittering world of Belle Époque Paris.Fifteen-year-old Gilberte—"Gigi" to her family—is being raised by her grandmother and aunt to follow in the footsteps of her beautiful mother, a singer at the Opéra-Comique. But not just any in this world of high-society courtesans and their wealthy protectors, these women have plans for Gigi's future that don't include romantic notions of love.
When Gaston Lachaille—the most eligible bachelor in Paris and longtime family friend—suddenly sees Gigi with new eyes, her family rejoices at their carefully orchestrated triumph. But Gigi, with her refreshing innocence and surprising wisdom, has other ideas.
In this sparkling new translation, Colette's witty, warm-hearted story comes alive for modern readers. Set against the sumptuous backdrop of turn-of-the-century Paris, with its elegant drawing rooms and fashionable cafés, "Gigi" is a timeless tale of a young woman who defies convention to forge her own path to happiness.
Though first published in 1944, this classic novella addresses surprisingly modern themes of independence, authenticity, and the courage to choose love on one's own terms. Colette's masterful prose creates an unforgettable portrait of a young woman coming of age in a world of strict social rules—and the defiant spirit that allows her to transcend them.
Rediscover this beloved classic that inspired the Oscar-winning film and Broadway musical, now freshly translated for a new generation of readers.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2025
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About the author
Colette
888 books1,735 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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