Mesés gyerekkor

by Catherine Millet, Tótfalusi Ágnes (Translator)

Catherine M. szexuális élete című memoárregénye után ezúttal gyermekkori félelmeiről és kamaszkori kétségeiről írt intim, lírai vallomást Catherine Millet. Párizs külvárosában nőtt fel az ötvenes években, és nagyon hamar rájött, hogy egyetlen dolog képes őt kiszakítani a családi csatározásoktól hangos, túlzsúfolt bérlakásból: a fikció. A kis Catherine tragikus hősök bőrébe képzelte magát, és meghökkentő mesékkel vívta ki társai figyelmét. Történeteiben álmok, vágyak és olvasmányélmények mosódnak egymásba, hogy megteremtsék az irigylésre méltó, mesés gyerekkort, amelyben a valóságban sosem lehetett része.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2014

Reviews

[Spellbind Consensus]

"Une enfance de rêve" (A Dream Childhood) by Catherine Millet is an introspective memoir that delves into the author's formative years, reflecting on how her childhood experiences shaped her personality and worldview. Known for her candid and often controversial autobiographical works, Millet in this book offers readers a poignant exploration of her early life, providing a foundation for understanding her later writings and perspectives.

Summary
Overview

"Une enfance de rêve" recounts Millet's childhood in post-war France, blending personal anecdotes with broader social and cultural observations. The memoir is a tapestry of memories, thoughts, and reflections that together paint a vivid picture of a young girl coming to terms with her identity and the world around her.

Structure and Style

The book is structured in a non-linear fashion, with Millet weaving together various memories and reflections rather than following a strict chronological order. This approach mirrors the fluid and often fragmented nature of memory itself. Millet's writing is evocative and introspective, characterized by a keen observational eye and a deep sense of self-awareness.

Themes

Family Dynamics:
Millet explores her relationship with her parents and siblings, highlighting the complexities and tensions within her family. She reflects on her parents' personalities and behaviors, noting how these influenced her development and outlook on life.

Search for Identity:
A central theme in the memoir is Millet's quest for self-understanding. She recounts her struggles with self-identity, influenced by her family's expectations, societal norms, and her own burgeoning sense of individuality.

Education and Intellectual Growth:
Millet discusses her early education and intellectual curiosity. She describes how books, art, and her schooling played crucial roles in shaping her intellectual development and fostering her passion for knowledge.

Emotional Landscape:
The memoir delves into the emotional landscape of Millet's childhood, detailing her feelings of loneliness, curiosity, and rebellion. She examines how these emotions influenced her behavior and relationships with others.

Societal Influences:
Set against the backdrop of post-war France, the memoir also touches on the broader societal changes and cultural shifts occurring during Millet's childhood. She reflects on how these external factors impacted her family and personal growth.

Key Moments

Parental Influence: Millet reflects on her parents' contrasting influences. Her mother is depicted as a practical, sometimes distant figure, while her father is more emotionally expressive and nurturing. These dynamics play a significant role in shaping Millet's emotional and psychological development.

Early Encounters with Art and Literature: Millet describes her early fascination with books and art, recounting specific moments and experiences that sparked her intellectual curiosity and artistic sensibilities.

Moments of Loneliness and Reflection: The memoir includes poignant episodes of loneliness and introspection, highlighting Millet's inner world and her search for meaning and connection.

Rebellion and Independence: Millet details her acts of rebellion against familial and societal expectations, showcasing her desire for independence and self-determination.

Analysis

"Une enfance de rêve" is a deeply personal and introspective memoir that provides valuable insights into Catherine Millet's early life and the formative experiences that shaped her as a person and a writer. Through her evocative storytelling and keen reflections, Millet offers readers a window into her childhood, characterized by both its idyllic moments and its emotional complexities.

The memoir is not only a recounting of personal history but also a broader commentary on the nature of memory, identity, and the process of self-discovery. Millet's nuanced portrayal of her childhood experiences invites readers to consider the profound impact of early life on one's personality and worldview.

Ultimately, "Une enfance de rêve" serves as both a standalone reflection on Millet's early years and a companion piece to her other autobiographical works, providing a richer context for understanding her life and literary contributions. The book's exploration of themes such as family dynamics, emotional growth, and intellectual development makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intricate interplay between childhood experiences and adult identity.

[StephenWoolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

On sent qu'elle a fait une psychanalyse.
Parfois, ça marche bien (D'autres vies que la mienne - E. Carrère), parfois, non (trop systématique : Nelly Kaprielan - Le Manteau de greta Garbo & le livre sur Louis Bourgeois).
Là, ça marche bien: la manière dont cela infléchit la structure du récit, les associations d'idées, sa façon de traiter ses souvenirs d'enfance.
C'est un projet très classique : raconter la naissance de la vocation d'écrivaine.
J'ai apprécié la manière dont elle a présenté sa famille, surtout la dernière page : ce qui arrive aux personnages après la fin du récit.
Son rapport aux livres, au savoir, aussi à l'art.
La confiance aveugle qu'elle s'accorde.

[Tifenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rien de novateur ou de particulièrement intéressant à soulever.

On trouve bien mieux dans le genre de l'auto-fiction, je vous renvoie à Annie Ernaux par exemple dans la littérature francophone ou bien à Maya Angelou.

D'autant plus que j'ai été dégoûtée de lire les déclarations de Catherine Millet, que ce soit à propos du harcèlement de rue (signataire de la tribune "Droit à importuner") et autres joyeusetés : voir sa page Wikipedia pour un moment agréable (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catheri...).

[Cendre · Rating 1 out of 5]

J'ai décidé de ne pas lire ce livre suite aux récentes déclarations de Catherine Millet, qui aurait aimé [TW: viol].........................
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Se faire violer, pour "montrer que du viol, on s'en sort". :)

[Solange te parle · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai retrouvé le style intemporel et raffiné de Catherine Millet que j'avais découverte avec "Jour de souffrance". Elle a un talent véritable pour interroger ses sensations les plus organiques (premières masturbations, premières règles, etc.) et c'est pourquoi j'ai très envie de lire maintenant "La vie sexuelle de Catherine M." Ici, les thèmes de la famille, de la mort et du temps qui passe n'ont pas eu le même attrait que son exploration singulière des rapports amoureux et sexuels. Reste que c'est une écrivaine du "je" parmi les plus percutantes qu'il m'ait été donné de lire.

[Merrylarry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the childhood of Catherine Millet. The book is well structured around periods of her youth. Readers who expect to read something in the line of her sexual life about which she has written another novel are bound to be disappointed. But readers who appreciate beautiful sentences and vivid and well written descriptions of places and atmosphere are well rewarded.

[Myrna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Écriture simple sobre et percutante. Quel beau livre !

[Karel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Een gortdroge opstapeling van saaie jeugdherinneringen. Wie hoopt dat de schrijfster van “Het seksuele leven van Catherine M.” een aparte kindertijd beleefde, is eraan voor de moeite.