It seems to be birthdays galore at the moment, and today is a very special one – that of the wonderful French author and bon viveur, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, known more familiarly to readers simply as Colette.
Jean Cocteau and Colette, Paris ca 1950 – photo by Robert Cohen
Colette was another one of those amazing women writers I discovered in the flowering of my interest in literature – the late 1970s and early 1980s were a real voyage of discovery for me. I read through Colette’s works from the very beginning, in lovely pastel-colour covered editions from Penguin; from the early adventures of Claudine, all the way through to Colette’s last days, crippled by arthritis but still writing under the light of a blue-shaded lamp.
But my favourite book of hers has always been “Break of Day”, with its glorious descriptions of the south of France, and the author’s wry comments on love and ageing and her relationship with physical, earthy things. I’ve returned to it regularly over the years and it never disappoints.
Colette lived a full, exciting and pioneering life, with enough events to actually fill several lives! I was thrilled when I found out she had actually been filmed in her latter days and it was wonderful to see a recording of the real woman.
Happy birthday Colette!
Jan 28, 2014 @ 11:17:23
I have never read any Colette, but you have reminded me how I really want to. Would Break of day be a good one to start with?
Jan 28, 2014 @ 11:26:31
I would say so, but I’m biased because it was the first one I read! Although the Claudine books are the first to carry her name, they aren’t necessarily her best. Also, her short stories are excellent and there *is* a Virago with some short pieces 🙂 Cheri and The Last of Cheri are of course very famous (and very good), plus any of her music hall books: “My Apprenticeships; and, Music-Hall Sidelights” springs to mind! If you want a biography, the Judith Thurman one is excellent. Enjoy!
Jan 28, 2014 @ 12:37:41
I have a couple of Colette books on my shelf so I’m looking forward to exploring her works! Thanks for the recommendations!
Jan 28, 2014 @ 13:08:45
I hope you enjoy them – she’s a wonderful writer!
Jan 28, 2014 @ 17:35:02
Happy Birthday, Colette! As you know, I’m a huge fan of her books, and yet strangely enough, I’d never paid attention to the date of her birth. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
Jan 28, 2014 @ 17:42:01
She’s definitely one of my favourite writers!