Claudine’s House by French novelist Colette is actually a collection of semi-biographical essays that explore her childhood in rural France. These are simple stories, written beautifully that hearken back to a different time and place capturing her past, her love of nature, and her relationships with various pets and family members.

Originally published in 1922 I found this an immersive read filled with poetic images of the lush French countryside. When she turns to her memories of family, in particular her mother, we can feel the bonds of love that existed. Although it doesn’t follow a strict timeline, we are given glimpses of her life as a child, a teenager and then as an adult with her own children. The author writes with verve, at times adding humor and at others a dark melancholy.

Claudine’s House is a gentle read that reminds one of the small pleasures that life can offer. ( )

Finished this book because it was one off my own shelf and because I'd started it for a Reading Challenge. It was good enough to keep reading…… only just. ( )

Ce livre est un petit bijou ! 190 pages dans l'édition Ferenczi (Le livre moderne illustré). Une très belle langue française. Après cette lecture, j'ai envie de retourner à Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye au Musée Colette. La maison de Colette à Saint-Sauveur, en cours de rénovation, ouvrira ses portes à partir d'avril 2016. ( )

Frais, bien écrit, excellent ( )

bien aimé. léger, frais. les animaux ont aussi leur importance. la liberté d'actions. Une jeunesse à la fin du 19ème. bucolique. des personnages intéressants. une certaine fraîcheur dans la description et une certaine pudeur quand il faut parler de Sido. ( )