A sumptuous belle epoque tale of a courtesan and a lover half her age. Cheri is considered Colette's finest book. A vivid, believable love story between an older woman and a younger man.

Lea de Lonval is a magnificent and aging courtesan facing the end of her career. She has devoted the last six years to the amorous education of the exquisitely handsome and spoilt Cheri - a playboy half her age. When an advantageous marriage is arranged for Cheri, Lea reluctantly decides their relationship must end.

But neither lover can foresee how deeply they are connected, or how much they will have to give up. First published in 1920, it was instantly greeted by Marcel Proust and Andre Gide as a masterpiece. 'I devoured Cheri at a gulp.

Why You Should Read?

• Explores the poignant themes of aging, societal expectations, and the end of an era through a compelling love story.
• Features a unique narrative voice that delivers a fresh and intimate perspective on a May-December romance.
• Provides readers with an insight into the Belle Époque, recreating its atmosphere and societal constraints.
• Examines the sacrifices and emotional connections that transcend age differences and societal boundaries.

About the Author

Colette is a celebrated French novelist, known for her insightful exploration of female experience and the complexities of human relationships. Her evocative prose and sharp observation of social mores earned her widespread acclaim. Colette's work, often semi-autobiographical, delves into themes of love, loss, and the shifting dynamics of identity, especially within the context of the Belle Époque era. She is considered a major figure in French literature.