Set against the translucent beauty of France in summer, Bonjour Tristesse is a bittersweet tale narrated by Cécile, a seventeen-year-old girl on the brink of womanhood, whose meddling in her father's love life leads to tragic consequences.

Freed from boarding school, Cécile lives in unchecked enjoyment with her youngish, widowed father -- an affectionate rogue, dissolute and promiscuous. Having accepted the constantly changing women in his life, Cécile pursues a sexual conquest of her own with a "tall and almost beautiful" law student. Then, a new woman appears in her father's life. Feeling threatened but empowered, Cécile sets in motion a devastating plan that claims a surprising victim.

Deceptively simple in structure, Bonjour Tristesse is a complex and beautifully composed portrait of casual amorality and a young woman's desperate attempt to understand and control the world around her.

Aww, poor little rich girl. I loved Cecile's cynism and the unconventional way she leads her life. I did find the ending a bit abrupt, though. Also, it could have used a little less drama. I can't help but wonder how much of the author is borrowed to her character. Adieu tristesse, bonjour tristesse!

Soon to be travelling to book-a-neer as a wishlist tag.

Now travelling to book-a-neer in Australia as a Wishlist Tag: http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/10/464693/7709613

This release also counts for katrinat's 1001 Release Challenge, as Bonjour Tristesse is featured on all three editions of the 1001 BYMRBYD so far.

Received from lamelemon for the wishlist tag game. Thank you. Seems like a very interesting book. I might just put it on top of my TBR.

Sent to jules5 for the reverse tag game.

Many thanks for this. Chapter one already and thoroughly enjoying it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cecile does seem the most self-centred and spoilt child, but when you hark back to being 17/18 years old, I suppose you are very ego-centric and the slightest event can become a drama. She just took against her step-mother- to -be, fearing the loss of her father's affection. The steps she took though are played out wonderfully and the backdrop is so rich, I could feel the sun on my face. I agree with you,lamelemon, I suspect the author slipped a lot of her own life into the book, which makes her a little scary!
Thanks for a great read.

Happy rabck :) enjoy

Received with thanks!