#a simple passion

[mostremote]

Annie Ernaux, A Simple Passion

[lovemevermore]

I occasionally felt like opening up. But once the excitement of sharing our secrets was over, I resented having let myself go, if only a little. Those conversations, when I had continually responded to the other person by saying “me too, it’s the same for me, I did that too,” suddenly seemed futile, removed from the reality of my own passion. Rather, something was lost through these outbursts

-A simple passion, Annie Ernaux

[tothewordgarden]

#WomeninTranslation Recommendations | Jasmine Alexa

Did you know that August is #WomeninTranslation Month? Well, if you didn’t, now you do! Here are some brilliant women writers in translation that you should check out sooner rather than later.

1. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (Italian)

This is the first novel of the Neapolitan Novels, a quartet that I’ll never stop recommending to everyone. It depicts the story of a friendship between two Neapolitan girls that eventually grow into such complex, fascinating women.

2.  A Simple Passion by Annie Ernaux (French)

Annie Ernaux writes autofiction (a blend of autobiography and fiction) at its finest. This tiny novella depicts a passionate love affair between a heterosexual couple from the woman's perspective in a very raw and striking prose.

3. Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan (French)

Françoise Sagan writes the dreamiest novellas set in the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera. I highly recommend her to those who have also read and enjoyed Deborah Levy’s Hot Milk. 

4. Memories of Low Tide by Chantal Thomas (French)

This is a poetic memoir that weaves together memories of childhood, a mother-daughter relationship, and their bond with the sea. It will strike a chord with anyone who is interested in mothering and female sexuality.