Summary of Claudine at School (The Claudine Novels)
The Claudine novels are a series of four books chronicling the coming of age of Claudine, a rebellious young girl growing up in the small village of Montigny in Burgundy at the end of the 19th century. Written in the form of an intimate diary, the series begins with “Claudine at School”, in which fifteen-year-old Claudine attends school in Montigny and falls in love with her teacher, Miss Lanthenay. However, when Miss Lanthenay begins a romantic relationship with the headmistress, Miss Sergent, Claudine decides to take revenge on the couple. The subsequent novels — “Claudine in Paris”, “Claudine Married”, and “Claudine and Annie” — follow her as she moves to Paris, marries, and later embarks on an affair with a young woman.
Reasons to read The Claudine NovelsÂ
The Claudine novels were originally published under the name of Colette’s first husband, Henry Gauthier-Villars (better known by his pen name “Willy”), although it is now widely accepted that Colette was their true author. The novels are partly autobiographical. “Claudine at School” caused both scandal and sensation upon its release, becoming an instant success. Although Colette’s literary genius was not fully recognised until the 1970s – her portrayal of Lesbian desire and her side-career as a stage actress hindered her acceptance among the male literary establishment of her time – she is now regarded as one of the most important French writers of the 20th century. Other notable works by Colette include “La Vagabonde”, “ChĂ©ri”, “Gigi”, and the short story collection “Tendrils of the Vine” (“Les Vrilles de la vigne”). In 2018, Colette’s early life and authorship of the Claudine novels were dramatised in the biographical film “Colette”, starring Keira Knightley.
Setting: Burgundy & Paris (France)
“Claudine at School” is set in Montigny-en-Fresnois, a fictional village inspired by Colette’s own birthplace, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, in Burgundy. The later Claudine novels are primarily set in Paris.
Original title: Claudine à l’école, Claudine à Paris, Claudine en ménage, Claudine s’en va
Year of publication: 1900-1903
Nr of pages: 640
Together, the four Claudine novels comprise around 640 pages. The first volume, “Claudine at School”, is approximately 368 pages long.
