La Fin De Chéri

A novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around the character Chéri, a young man caught in the social dynamics and complexities of post-war France, particularly focusing on his relationship with his wife, Edmée. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and the discomfiture of returning to civilian life after the war. The opening of the story introduces us to Chéri, who is in the throes of an evening stroll outside his home, reflecting on his life and marriage. He appears to be both detached and bemused by his own situation, caught in a web of relationships, expectations, and memories. His interactions with Edmée reveal a partnership that teeters on the edge of disconnection, underscoring a tension between their expectations of married life and Chéri's struggle with his identity as a husband and a man who survived the war. Through rich descriptions and complex dialogue, Colette sets the stage for an exploration of post-war societal changes and personal introspection.