Plot Summary

Bonjour Tristesse

Francoise Sagan
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Bonjour Tristesse

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1954

Book Brief

Francoise Sagan

Bonjour Tristesse

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1954
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

French Riviera • 1950s

Publication Year

1954

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan follows teenage Cécile and her playboy father Raymond, who live a carefree life on the French Riviera until Anne, a friend of Raymond's late wife, arrives. As Raymond's relationship with Anne deepens, Cécile fears their lifestyle will change and works to sabotage it, leading to unexpected and tragic outcomes.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan captures the languid summer life of a young woman while delving into themes of hedonism and emotional conflict. Critics appreciate Sagan's elegant prose and compelling characterizations but note an overall sense of superficiality in the plot. The novel's exploration of complex relationships, however, remains a notable strength.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bonjour Tristesse?

A reader who enjoys Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan is likely captivated by introspective narratives, complex emotional landscapes, and youthful existentialism. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby will appreciate Sagan's exploration of teenage rebellion, privilege, and melancholy.

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

French Riviera • 1950s

Publication Year

1954

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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