Join Il Circolo Bookclub, Mondo Nuovo, with Olga Campofreda discussing “Le Inseparabili” by Simone De Beauvoir
‘Le Inseparabili’, published simultaneously in France by Ponte alle Grazie, is a fictionalised account of the extraordinary friendship between Simone de Beauvoir and Zaza (Elisabeth) Lacoin. It covers their relationship, from meeting at school during World War I to Zaza’s death in 1929. The narrator, Sylvie/Simone, is immediately captivated by Andrée/Zaza, an intelligent and rebellious girl. The two become inseparable, despite the hostility of Andrée’s ultra-Catholic family, which adheres to rigid traditions.
While their friendship manages to survive the oppressive environment that Andrée is forced into, the same cannot be said for Zaza, who is ultimately crushed by society’s demand to suppress her individuality. The story is both a touching account of friendship and a critique of a bigoted and hypocritical society that refuses to accept what challenges its narrow-mindedness.
Although Simone de Beauvoir wrote ‘Le Inseparabili in 1954, she chose not to publish it at the time but kept the manuscript. Now, finally rediscovered, it stands as a remarkable literary discovery. While Sylvie/Simone tends to diminish herself in her friendship with Andrée, her divergent path clearly emerges, allowing her not only to find her voice but also to become a key figure in the history of female emancipation in the 20th century.
We look forward to seeing you all!
The Bookclub is online via Zoom.
