I've tried - quite recently I tried again - but I've always given up on Claudine/Colette after a few pages. And I kind of agree with Willy's verdict in the film: 'It's too cloying. It's too feminine.' Anyway, it's not for me.
As for the film - my first film of the year - it had all the ingredients ... but I was
'You have the most beautiful teeth.'
'Like an alligator.'
Whatever she's in, I find myself riveted by all that 21st century dentistry. Still, I suppose if they hadn't cast Keira, it would have been Lily James - and that's no better.
But if you're looking for a movie this week, I'd choose The Favourite instead.
Yes I've had zero success with Colette despite having some very nice hardback editions which I spotted in Caroline Zoob's blog years ago. Will try both films.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of the fabulous frocks and Art Nouveau interiors...
ReplyDeleteGlad it's not just me, Lucille! I've just been to google Caroline Zoob - I thought she'd closed down. I used to love her mugs etc.
ReplyDeleteYes, worth going for that, Veronica.
Not just me then! I thought there might be something wrong with me.
ReplyDeleteI was prepared to be swamped by angry fans, Toffeeapple.
ReplyDeleteWe read La Maison de Claudine for A Level French back in the days of the Roman occupation, and I liked that. It's not a novel, but a memoir of her childhood. But on the other hand, I probably wasn't very critical in those days.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there'll be a upsurge in sales to book groups as a result of the film, Pam - and in a few months' time, they'll be lining the shelves in charity shops. I wonder if they read better in French? I have a feeling they would. But as you say, that was in the days of the Romans!
ReplyDeleteWell, I've only read it in French. As I remember, the vocabulary wasn't very useful for when one went on holiday - lots of flowers, oil lamps, particular kinds of roof tiles, biscuits etc. But it sounded nice. And it was very wholesome.
ReplyDeleteI know. My vocab is a mixture of Balzac and Maigret!
ReplyDelete