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Celeste: The Parisian Courtesan Who Became a Countess and Bestselling Writer
Courtesan, countess, bestselling author - the tempestuous true story of a woman far ahead of her time ...
The true story of the Countess Céleste de Chabrillan is a rich and tempestuous tale of an extraordinary woman.
Born in the gutters of Paris in 1824, Céleste made her name as a dancer in the Parisian dance halls, where it is said she invented the can-can. Then, as an equestrienne at the Paris hippodrome, her daring feats on horseback thrilled the crowds. However, it was as the city's most celebrated courtesan that the young Parisian found genuine fame and fortune. Strikingly beautiful and charismatic, her lovers included famous novelists, artists and composers, not least Georges Bizet, whom, many believe, based his free and fearless Carmen on Céleste.
But when Céleste married the Count de Chabrillan, a prominent member of the French aristocracy, Parisian society was scandalised. And when the pair turned up in far off Australia, where the count served as the first French consul, Melbourne society was scandalised in turn.
Later a bestselling memoirist, novelist, playwright and librettist, the remarkable Countess Céleste de Chabrillan was, indeed, a woman far ahead of her time.
The true story of the Countess Céleste de Chabrillan is a rich and tempestuous tale of an extraordinary woman.
Born in the gutters of Paris in 1824, Céleste made her name as a dancer in the Parisian dance halls, where it is said she invented the can-can. Then, as an equestrienne at the Paris hippodrome, her daring feats on horseback thrilled the crowds. However, it was as the city's most celebrated courtesan that the young Parisian found genuine fame and fortune. Strikingly beautiful and charismatic, her lovers included famous novelists, artists and composers, not least Georges Bizet, whom, many believe, based his free and fearless Carmen on Céleste.
But when Céleste married the Count de Chabrillan, a prominent member of the French aristocracy, Parisian society was scandalised. And when the pair turned up in far off Australia, where the count served as the first French consul, Melbourne society was scandalised in turn.
Later a bestselling memoirist, novelist, playwright and librettist, the remarkable Countess Céleste de Chabrillan was, indeed, a woman far ahead of her time.
400 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2016
13 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Roland Perry
62 books45 followersProfessor Roland Perry (born 11 October 1946) is a Melbourne-based author best known for his books on history, especially Australia in the two world wars. His Monash: The Outsider Who Won The War, won the Fellowship of Australian Writers' 'Melbourne University Publishing Award' in 2004. The judges described it as 'a model of the biographer's art. In the Queen's Birthday Honours of June 2011, Perry was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia 'for services to literature as an author.In October 2011, Monash University awarded Perry a Fellowship for 'high achievement as a writer, author, film producer and journalist.His sports books include biographies of Sir Donald Bradman, Steve Waugh, Keith Miller and Shane Warne. Perry has written on espionage, specialising in the British Cambridge Ring of Russian agents. He has also published three works of fiction and produced more than 20 documentary films. Perry has been a member of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council since 2006.
In late 2012 Perry accepted an adjunct appointment at Monash University as a Professor, with the title ‘Writer-in-Residence’ in the University’s Arts Faculty.
In late 2012 Perry accepted an adjunct appointment at Monash University as a Professor, with the title ‘Writer-in-Residence’ in the University’s Arts Faculty.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 25, 2023
What a damn life. She walked so today's baddies could run. Excellent writing too, I was captivated by this fiction-esque biography. Need to know more
October 25, 2019
This biography is...interesting but also a bit frustrating, mainly because Celeste and her husband just come off as stupid. Emotionally over-dramatic and tiresome and stupid. Even though she, Celeste, seems to have plenty of evidence to show that she was intelligent. It would be interesting to read her memoirs and journals and see how she comes off through those and if she seems more savvy and deliberate in her emotional life. She certainly seems to have survived a hell of a lot in a world which could have ground her down to a pulp a lot more than it seemed to have.
As an Australian, the chapter of her life involving Australia and the apparent impact it had on her was fascinating. Loved that part.
As an Australian, the chapter of her life involving Australia and the apparent impact it had on her was fascinating. Loved that part.
February 9, 2017
reads like a novel
September 23, 2021
This is an interesting bio. Celeste’s life is a fascinating story but the insight into 19th century Paris is what intrigued me the most. Reads like fiction and is well written.
May 31, 2018
I think the reader rather spoilt this one for me - early on she was shouting and coming across as a little hysterical, and overly melodramatic. But I also had issues with the book itself. It is clear that Perry has obtained much of his material from Celeste's own memoirs, diaries and autobiography, and I have to say that I would not be so trusting of someone's stories about their own life. The direct speech quoted must come only from her memoirs, and while I hesitate to question their authenticity, it has to be remembered that her perspective and memories are only one side of the story. It seems unlikely that this sort of detail could be verified by other parties, unless they kept diaries as detailed as Celeste did herself.
What cannot be doubted is the publicly recorded details of her life, which is fascinating, from her reinventions after beginning her career in a brothel, to dancer and equestrienne, to her life as the wife of a Count and diplomat in colonial Melbourne, to author, dramatist and director in Paris. Undoubtedly a lady of determination and with a great talent for turning disaster into success, and an genius for creating new opportunities where many would have surrendered to fate. The life that she lead is a microscope into the manners and society of nineteenth century France, against the backdrop of international politics and expansion.
Perry's style is practical and straightforward, but it is somewhat cliched, a bit wooden and pedestrian. It is of course, a non-fiction work, but it melodramatises without a great deal of insight somehow, making it seem rather insubstantial, which is unfortunate because it is truly an amazing story that deserves a better presentation. Perry is clearly enamoured of his subject, but perhaps a little perspective might have made for a better retelling of her story.
What cannot be doubted is the publicly recorded details of her life, which is fascinating, from her reinventions after beginning her career in a brothel, to dancer and equestrienne, to her life as the wife of a Count and diplomat in colonial Melbourne, to author, dramatist and director in Paris. Undoubtedly a lady of determination and with a great talent for turning disaster into success, and an genius for creating new opportunities where many would have surrendered to fate. The life that she lead is a microscope into the manners and society of nineteenth century France, against the backdrop of international politics and expansion.
Perry's style is practical and straightforward, but it is somewhat cliched, a bit wooden and pedestrian. It is of course, a non-fiction work, but it melodramatises without a great deal of insight somehow, making it seem rather insubstantial, which is unfortunate because it is truly an amazing story that deserves a better presentation. Perry is clearly enamoured of his subject, but perhaps a little perspective might have made for a better retelling of her story.
December 10, 2016
Whilst reading this I kept thinking of the Kardashians.....
January 20, 2017
Born in 1824, Céleste made her name as a dancer in the Parisian dance halls.Then, as an equestrienne at the Paris hippodrome, her daring feats on horseback thrilled the crowds. However, it was as the city's most celebrated courtesan that the young Parisian found genuine fame and fortune. Strikingly beautiful and charismatic, her lovers included famous novelists, artists and composers, not least Georges Bizet, whom, many believe, based his free and fearless Carmen on Céleste.
When after a long on-again, off-again affair, Céleste married the Count de Chabrillan, a prominent member of the French aristocracy, Parisian society was scandalised. Serving as France's first consul in Melbourne Lionel and Celeste were by turns feted and shunned by conservative Melbourne society.
This is the story of a woman who took the challenges of life and used bravery, tenacity and sheer determination to seize what she wanted. Her long term love affair with Lionel (Count de Chabrillian) was both the defining relationship in her life and the cause of much distress - both emotionally and financially. In spite of Lionel's rich and powerful family, it was Celeste's daring and intelligence that kept them from bankruptcy. Her efforts on stage and as a writer -her biography was a best-seller in spite of her attempts to stop publication after her marriage - made Celeste both admired and envied.
Perry has researched extensively to put this book together. Celeste kept diaries most of her life and in addition to publishing her memoirs in her late 20's she also wrote plays, fiction and short stories - many influenced by her time in Australia (a place that disgusted and intrigued her).
Perry's writing style makes very easy reading and this book appeals as both a biography of an fascinating woman who broke every rule of society, but also as look at both mid-19th century France and gold rush Melbourne.
Celeste's observation of early Melbourne make for very interesting reading - apparently our Cafes have always been expensive so not much has changed in the last 150-odd years!
When after a long on-again, off-again affair, Céleste married the Count de Chabrillan, a prominent member of the French aristocracy, Parisian society was scandalised. Serving as France's first consul in Melbourne Lionel and Celeste were by turns feted and shunned by conservative Melbourne society.
This is the story of a woman who took the challenges of life and used bravery, tenacity and sheer determination to seize what she wanted. Her long term love affair with Lionel (Count de Chabrillian) was both the defining relationship in her life and the cause of much distress - both emotionally and financially. In spite of Lionel's rich and powerful family, it was Celeste's daring and intelligence that kept them from bankruptcy. Her efforts on stage and as a writer -her biography was a best-seller in spite of her attempts to stop publication after her marriage - made Celeste both admired and envied.
Perry has researched extensively to put this book together. Celeste kept diaries most of her life and in addition to publishing her memoirs in her late 20's she also wrote plays, fiction and short stories - many influenced by her time in Australia (a place that disgusted and intrigued her).
Perry's writing style makes very easy reading and this book appeals as both a biography of an fascinating woman who broke every rule of society, but also as look at both mid-19th century France and gold rush Melbourne.
Celeste's observation of early Melbourne make for very interesting reading - apparently our Cafes have always been expensive so not much has changed in the last 150-odd years!
September 15, 2025
Celeste was a fascinating read about an extraordinary woman who was truly ahead of her time. From the age of 11, Celeste had to fight for everything she had. Abandoned emotionally by her mother, who chose a boyfriend over her child, Celeste’s life took a tumultuous turn — one that would see her battle for recognition, respect, and survival in a harsh, often unforgiving world.
Despite the hardships, Celeste lived a long and remarkably full life. She was not just a courtesan. She was a countess, a bestselling writer, a performer — an actress, dancer, and singer — a wife, a friend, a confidant, and a mother. She became what she needed to be in order to survive. And survive she did, with both tenacity and grace.
Her story spans two continents and multiple reinventions, and it’s truly awe-inspiring to see what she achieved in her lifetime. Roland Perry tells her story in a direct, accessible way that makes the complex narrative easy to follow. His writing style allows Celeste's vibrant personality and remarkable journey to shine through.
One line in particular stayed with me — a quote from Celeste after the death of yet another dear friend:
“My heart is like a cemetery, and another wooden cross has been placed where there is no more room.”
It’s a poignant, heartbreaking reflection on love and loss, and a testament to the emotional depth of her story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this account of Celeste the courtesan and countess, and I feel her story was supremely told by Roland Perry. A memorable and moving biography of a woman who refused to be forgotten.
Despite the hardships, Celeste lived a long and remarkably full life. She was not just a courtesan. She was a countess, a bestselling writer, a performer — an actress, dancer, and singer — a wife, a friend, a confidant, and a mother. She became what she needed to be in order to survive. And survive she did, with both tenacity and grace.
Her story spans two continents and multiple reinventions, and it’s truly awe-inspiring to see what she achieved in her lifetime. Roland Perry tells her story in a direct, accessible way that makes the complex narrative easy to follow. His writing style allows Celeste's vibrant personality and remarkable journey to shine through.
One line in particular stayed with me — a quote from Celeste after the death of yet another dear friend:
“My heart is like a cemetery, and another wooden cross has been placed where there is no more room.”
It’s a poignant, heartbreaking reflection on love and loss, and a testament to the emotional depth of her story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this account of Celeste the courtesan and countess, and I feel her story was supremely told by Roland Perry. A memorable and moving biography of a woman who refused to be forgotten.
January 17, 2017
This most interesting biography was no doubt based on Countess Celeste de Chabrillan's diaries and printed memoirs. She was a French woman who lived an incredible life. Abuse by her mother's partner led Celeste to leave home at the age of 14, and once she turned 16, she registered as a prostitute. Over time she became a leading courtesan, star performer on horseback and the Hippodrome, a dance, actress, writer, theatre producer and devoted wife, often working to save her husband, the Count, from financial ruin. His family disapproved of the marriage, and having disowned him, made Celeste's life very difficult, but she rose above hardships with flair and determination. The novel gives insight into French society in the 1800's. As well, the description of her voyage to Australia and life in Victoria when her husband was appointed French consul presented an interesting perspective.
May 1, 2020
Celeste. From courtesan to countess. What a story, what a life she lived. Celeste from a downtrodden beginning knew how to use her wiles and sex appeal to achieve what she wanted. She was then able to create a name for herself as a dancer to the Bal Mabile, an equestrian performer at the Hippodrome as the fearless Mogador, and a celebrated author. Through her trials and tribulations Celeste was always able to drag herself out of trouble, and had such a great love for her husband, Lionel de Chabrillan. She grew to become an intelligent, witty, adventurous and endearing woman. I highly recommend this book. It was such an easy page-turning read.
May 25, 2023
This was well written - i was very interested in Celeste’s story. Perry really pulled me in easily and i sped through the first half of her life. It started to drag a little bit in the later part when the politics and law aspects started to bog me down a little but it was covered enough for me to understand without getting mired down in the details.
Recommend for anyone interested in this real life woman who was truly amazing for her time. Also she spent time in early Melbourne during the goldfields rush, which took my by surprise as i knew nothing about Celeste going into this!
Recommend for anyone interested in this real life woman who was truly amazing for her time. Also she spent time in early Melbourne during the goldfields rush, which took my by surprise as i knew nothing about Celeste going into this!
November 17, 2020
Celeste's biography is the quintessential triumph over adversity story. She lived a very interesting life and survived through her charms, ability and intellect. There were some eye-rolling parts with the overly dramatic expressions of love and jabs of threats over petty reasons but overall a very enjoyable read.
January 16, 2018
Wow! Wasn’t sure about this at first because I’m not a huge non-fiction fan, but this was amazing! It read like a story, and flowed so well. And of course, it definitely helped that Céleste’s life was extraordinary - it would be hard to make a dull novel about her.
December 11, 2018
You couldn’t make it up! What an extraordinary life. Stunned that Australia featured. We sneak in everywhere. An incredibly resourceful woman, a heartbreaking love affair, travel, scandal, near death multiple times. Enjoyable to read.
June 23, 2017
Fascinating story. The style was a little abrupt for me, but seriously interesting story and insight into 19th century Europe.
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September 27, 2016Loved this book.... Couldn't put it down.
Hard to believe that it is a true story and not a work of fiction.
Highly recommend.
Hard to believe that it is a true story and not a work of fiction.
Highly recommend.
November 17, 2016
An interesting woman. A rough start in life, self-taught, a keen business-woman and an Australian connection.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews