I’m reading the popular history “Paris in Ruins.” Sand was mentioned early on, so I read up on her via Wikipedia. This is a timely and welcome addition to the little bit I learned!
When I was 11 or so my dad gave me an old copy of a book by George Sand, in french, titled La petite Fadette, for me to read. He really admired George Sand and he wildly overestimated my ability to read french (I was studying french at the time). I think I read part of it but then gave up because it was too difficult for me. But now as an adult, having lost my dad 20 years ago, I sonetime think about this book e chose, that gives me a insight into my dad's inner life somehow.
The book itself is probably close to 100 years old (perhaps it was my dad's), I still have it and maybe I can try to read it again or find it in translation (most likely!).
What a beautiful recollection, Loredana. That your dad shared something he felt so significant with you in book form is so special. He clearly had a belief in your abilities in reading French - however much he overestimated! That you still have the copy feels like a tribute to the meaning behind the gift. Maybe this is your sign to pull it out and perhaps get a translation to read by its side 🌟
What an amazing essay!! I knew hardly a thing about George Sand; now I am eager to devour her work and this biography of her life. She seems like a remarkable woman. An icon! ❤️ thank you for this piece.
Kate, thank you for this informative introduction to George Sand and to this biography. I love reading biographies of women writers and artists, and will add this one to my list. Because I studied piano for many years, I’m familiar with Sand only in the context of her relationship with Chopin. Looking forward to learning more about her and reading some of her writing.
Thank you for this post, alI never read George Sand, though I studied it when studying French. You reminded me of good memories and of my intention of reading some of her novels!
I couldn't help thinking about Colette, while reading your post: they have so much in common!
Such an interesting woman and writer. I visited her home, now a museum, at the butte of Montmartre in September 2024. I keep meaning to read her work but haven't gotten around to it yet.
It's the Museum of Romance. It was closed last year for renovations. Not sure if it has reopened yet. I am going to Paris on Thursday for a few days but won't visit it again. Too many other things to see 😃
I read long ago a biography of Sand; I will look forward to reading this new one from Sampson. Sand led a remarkable life, particularly for her time, and you've captured the details wonderfully.
I laughed a little on reading that a city law was enacted to prohibit women from wearing men's clothing. Kudos to Sand for flouting it.
Thank you for this! I love learning about writers I’m familiar with and in this case, ones I am not. What books of George Sand would you recommend most?
Thanks, Dana! I have to say, I am also fairly new to Sand so not an expert, but I think her debut novel 'Indiana' would be a good place to start in terms of its exploration of her thoughts on women and marriage. There is also Consuelo which many consiser her masterpiece.
I actually haven't! I know @haley larsen, phd is a huge Wharton fan and has written about her (and run various readlongs, one of which I joined). But I will add her to my list for a future piece 😊
I’m reading the popular history “Paris in Ruins.” Sand was mentioned early on, so I read up on her via Wikipedia. This is a timely and welcome addition to the little bit I learned!
Excellent! I love it when you find synchronicity like that 🌟
Such a great piece as ever. It makes me want to read this now and add it to my list!
🌟
When I was 11 or so my dad gave me an old copy of a book by George Sand, in french, titled La petite Fadette, for me to read. He really admired George Sand and he wildly overestimated my ability to read french (I was studying french at the time). I think I read part of it but then gave up because it was too difficult for me. But now as an adult, having lost my dad 20 years ago, I sonetime think about this book e chose, that gives me a insight into my dad's inner life somehow.
The book itself is probably close to 100 years old (perhaps it was my dad's), I still have it and maybe I can try to read it again or find it in translation (most likely!).
What a beautiful recollection, Loredana. That your dad shared something he felt so significant with you in book form is so special. He clearly had a belief in your abilities in reading French - however much he overestimated! That you still have the copy feels like a tribute to the meaning behind the gift. Maybe this is your sign to pull it out and perhaps get a translation to read by its side 🌟
What an amazing essay!! I knew hardly a thing about George Sand; now I am eager to devour her work and this biography of her life. She seems like a remarkable woman. An icon! ❤️ thank you for this piece.
Thank you, Marguerite! It is so an interesting biography!
Kate, thank you for this informative introduction to George Sand and to this biography. I love reading biographies of women writers and artists, and will add this one to my list. Because I studied piano for many years, I’m familiar with Sand only in the context of her relationship with Chopin. Looking forward to learning more about her and reading some of her writing.
Thank you for reading, Becca! It's interesting that you came to Sand through Chopin.
Thank you for this post, alI never read George Sand, though I studied it when studying French. You reminded me of good memories and of my intention of reading some of her novels!
I couldn't help thinking about Colette, while reading your post: they have so much in common!
Thanks, Stefania! Yes, that's so true - there is a connection there with Colette.
Such an interesting woman and writer. I visited her home, now a museum, at the butte of Montmartre in September 2024. I keep meaning to read her work but haven't gotten around to it yet.
Ooh, how cool! I love looking around writers' houses ❤️
It's the Museum of Romance. It was closed last year for renovations. Not sure if it has reopened yet. I am going to Paris on Thursday for a few days but won't visit it again. Too many other things to see 😃
So lucky! I have never been...yet! :)
Very interesting - I had never heard of her before but now am going to read more about her!
That’s great to hear, Celina!
I’m adding Indiana and Consuelo to my books to be read list.
Yaay! 🥳
I read long ago a biography of Sand; I will look forward to reading this new one from Sampson. Sand led a remarkable life, particularly for her time, and you've captured the details wonderfully.
I laughed a little on reading that a city law was enacted to prohibit women from wearing men's clothing. Kudos to Sand for flouting it.
Thanks Maureen, I found Sampson's book highly readable.
I know! Imagine wasting time and money on a law like that! Beyond comprehension.
She knew the limitations put around women in her time, and found exactly the right ways to subvert and defy them.
Absolutely!
Really fascinating essay, Kate. I knew nothing much about her. Always appreciate the research you put in.
Thanks, Claire! I have to say, she is a fairly new addition to my studies, so I really enjoyed the biography!
Thank you for this! I love learning about writers I’m familiar with and in this case, ones I am not. What books of George Sand would you recommend most?
Thanks, Dana! I have to say, I am also fairly new to Sand so not an expert, but I think her debut novel 'Indiana' would be a good place to start in terms of its exploration of her thoughts on women and marriage. There is also Consuelo which many consiser her masterpiece.
Thanks! Indiana sounds intriguing. Have you written about Edith Wharton yet? I’ve read a lot of her but not as much about her biography.
I actually haven't! I know @haley larsen, phd is a huge Wharton fan and has written about her (and run various readlongs, one of which I joined). But I will add her to my list for a future piece 😊