From the author of Gigi comes this tale of 33-year-old Renée Néré, recently divorced and seeking a new life as a vaudeville performer. Maxime, a wealthy playboy, tempts her from the path of independence with the comforts of love and marriage. From the physical and psychological distance of a provincial tour, Renée reflects upon the conflicting needs of security and freedom. "The Vagabond, one of the first and best feminist novels ever written, is that rare thing: a great book which is also inspiring," declared Erica Jong. This vivid portrait of life in the Parisian music halls of the early twentieth-century was, drawn from the author's personal experiences. Colette's 1910 novel mirrors her own adventures as an itinerant dancer as well as her struggles to maintain a balance between, social respectability and artistic freedom. This edition features an authoritative new translation of her story as well as an informative Introduction by Stanley Appelbaum.
