Dream of a Woman

by Remy de Gourmont

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Hardcover

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

People widely read works of Symbolist poet, novelist, and critic Remy de Gourmont of France, an important influence on Blaise Cendrars, in his era.

Reviews

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up because Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast is allegedly reading it on screen in the movie, and I thought "well I have to know what that's about." So I find that this book, about the passions of several men and women over the course of a summer, is a little risque and not at all what a woman in Belle's time should be seen reading, (Which is exactly what makes Belle so damn cool...) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are all so strong willed and have reverent beliefs that they wittingly and charmingly debate with each other while navigating their emotions as love inevitably attacks them all.

You see how sexist men can be, how fiery the feminist woman can be and how love can completely swap their positions on it. I found this book to be a great pick for Belle and can totally understand why she would not only read it, but love it. Remy de Gourmont displays his personal "Live the life you want" beliefs tactfully and glorifies the happiness that that enables.

The journey of all of the characters as their lives intertwine will have you nodding your head in agreement or rolling your eyes with disdain, however, you will return to it because it is a plethora of inspired ideas and ideals. Whether you enjoy or relate to the characters or not, people are always more elegant on paper, which is perhaps why the author chose to write the book as a series of letters to and from intimate friends who explore the vast reaches of emotion. And although this book is out of print and little known it doesn't take away from the fact that it is in its own way a classic. Quite contrarily I think it adds to its mystique. A fine read. 4.4/5

[Kathryn(sage) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in letter format, this book a was a quick and interesting read. I read this originally because I had read somewhere that this was the book that Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast was reading during the opening sequence and since Disney animators like to slip in dirty jokes or references I figured this had to be it. I was right... sort of. While not raunchy by today's standard, back when it was written in 1927 it was very raunchy and a little norm breaking as in the end... well just read it. I promise you won't be disappointed.