Cheri, the eponymous 'hero' of the novel, is a weak spoilt individual with too much money and time. Lia the beautiful but aging courtesan who loves him realizes that this love cannot last but gives her heart none the less. The characters are well drawn, the harpy friends of Cheri's mother are particularly well crafted. Bitches who's cutting chatter is filled with well aimed barbs and quips aimed to hurt.
The book generated a good discussion about the Belle Mode of Paris at the turn of the century, and about Collette herself, how her life of a courtesan earned her independence but not a family and the differences between England and UK about women who earned a life at the top of the sex working tree. The very french way of looking at love, sex and relationships.
If you want to listen to the novel the BBC have serialized it click here to listen
Marks out of 10: between 6 - 9
Words used to describe it: spoil, indulgent, bittersweet, vivid impression, harsh
Next book
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
Next meeting
19th May 2021 at Chelsea Arts Club (COVID rules allowing)
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