Chéri and The End of Chéri

In this exquisite new translation of Colette's tragicomic masterpiece, "Chéri" and its sequel "The End of Chéri," the complex relationship between an aging courtesan, Léa, and her younger lover, Chéri, is explored against the backdrop of the Parisian demimonde during the Belle Époque. As Léa faces the end of her illustrious career and Chéri prepares for an arranged marriage, both come to realize the depth of their love too late. The sequel delves into Chéri's struggles in the aftermath of World War I, revealing his challenges as he grapples with the past and attempts to reconnect with Léa. Rachel Careau’s attentive translation, paired with a preface by Lydia Davis, revitalizes Colette’s sharp, modern style.