Loving and Loathing Cécile: A quick review of Bonjour Tristesse

Summary

In 1954, Cécile, a Parisian high school student, spends the summer of her seventeenth year at a villa with her widowed father, Raymond, and his mistress, Elsa. Their close bond is disrupted when Raymond announces the arrival of Anne, a friend, who contrasts sharply with Elsa and Cécile in her strict moral stance and intellectual pursuits. As Elsa struggles to maintain her relationship with Raymond and Cécile fears losing their special connection and freedoms, tensions escalate. Cécile devises a plan to eliminate the perceived threat posed by Anne, setting off a dangerous game with unforeseen consequences.

Evaluation

The novel maintains a brisk pace with predominantly short sentences and easily understandable vocabulary. Sagan’s writing style is both enjoyable and adept at capturing the inner workings of a young girl’s mind, particularly her chaotic thoughts. Sagan skillfully highlights the disparity between Anne’s demeanor and that of the other characters, while also providing numerous descriptive passages that vividly evoke sensory experiences. Furthermore, the novel is replete with events that keep readers eagerly anticipating what will happen next, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy tales set by the sea, under the sun, and in shorter formats.

Recommendation

“Bonjour Tristesse”, with its short length of under 200 pages, remains one the most exceptional novels I’ve ever read. It’s unique allure might stem from Sagan’s relative youth when crafted it, just one year older then the protagonist Cécile. What captivates me most is the rich tapestry of themes – love, morality, pain, pleasure…- through Cécile’s perspective. I found myself deepely immersed in the narrative, yearning to inhabit the sun-kissed beaches alongside her, experiencing the highs and lows of her journey, perhaps even falling in love with her. Yet, like a sudden gust of wind, the novel’s conclusion left me breathless, its devastating impact echoing a profound sense of loneliness and emptiness within. Overwhelmed, I sought solace in the company of a friend, seeking refuge from the emotional tempest stirred by the final sentence.