WHEN THINGS OF SPIRIT

This collection of five early tales is so wonderfully interwoven together that you might forget you're reading five separate tales of five different young women. In de Beauvoir's first two autobiographical volumes--Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter, and The Prime of Life, I found myself relating to many of her own thoughts and feelings that she described. Thoughts about men, family, friends, religion, and independence. Likewise, in this first work of fiction which she did not deem worthy of publication until 40 years after she wrote it, I also could identify with her characters' similar thoughts and emotions. It is a nice complement to her autobiographies, because her characters are based on herself and those she knew. This book gave me another angle with which to view those people in her life; in particular, her dearest friend Zaza, (as Anne) and her overbearing mother. The nearly four pages of pleading prayer by "Anne's" mother which opens the Anne chapter, is an amusing yet damning indictment against the mother. It clearly reveals her character and it is one of the best parts of the book! For a richer and more precise account of Simone de Beauvoir's earlier years, read her autobiographies. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. :-)

I love this book, it is up there with my Top 20. So poetic, I felt like everything Mme Beauvoir was describing was part of my life... This is not a book written by an innocent child--it is un livre written by a deep, spiritual, intuitive woman who did write when meeting Sartre. I have not read The Second Sex yet, but there is no doubt that I will check out most of her books, seeing how delightful this one was.

The stories in this wonderful book are all tied together through their characters and makes this collection an interesting and enjoyable read. Many thoughts of the woman protagonists mirror some of my own as they struggle with men, faith, education, family and their own insecurities.Beautifully written before Simone de Beauvoir's famous The Second Sex, you see the beginnings of her philosophy emerging in each story. A delightful read and definitely recommended to all, especially fans of De Bauvoir's other writings.

I recall, perhaps I was in college, WHEN THINGS OF THE SPIRIT COME FIRST came out in paperback. I'm afraid I've lost track of my copy over the years. It's an early work of De Beauvoir's, three closely interlocked, charming short stories. I found it hard to put down.