Earthly Paradise

A friend suggested I read this book, after he listened to some of my short stories. I am thrilled to read the book and learn how Colette's life as a woman shaped her stories. I identified with her life and her writings and I now want to read more books by her. Sherri Rosen Publicity, NYC

This book has been on my nightstand for over a year. Every evening, I read just a morsel of Colette's beautiful prose and savor it slowly, like a decadent piece of chocolate. Since this is an "un-biography" (because it was taken from her life's works and letters to personal friends), it doesn't have that pompous, omnipotent, movie-of-the-week quality of many celebrity biographies. And yet it paints a joyous, colorful, honest, lustful and mysterious life (was she or wasn't she bisexual?) lived very simply. I'm constantly amazed at how Colette can talk about something as elemental as her cats or her garden in such a tender, sensual way.This is a rewarding treat for those who already adore Colette's work. And for those who are unfamiliar with her, it's a simple and elegant introduction! If you've only read Gigi, or The Vagabond, you'll find the woman who wrote them even more intriguing than her stories.