Jan 25, 2020
‘To Pauline’s surprise, Études and préludes received a favorable welcome from critics. Because she had published the book under the ambiguous name “R. Vivien,” readers didn’t realize they were reading sapphic verse, and Pauline received fan letters addressed to “Messr. R. Vivien.” On one occasion she attended a poetry lecture with Natalie in which poet Charles Fuster earnestly praised Études. When he described its author as a young man consumed with passion for his first mistress, Natalie and Pauline ran from the room, collapsing with giggles when they were safely away.’
— Suzanne Rodriguez, Wild Heart: A Life (2002)
