French Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir was fascinated by the idea of human intimacy, often writing about it in her work. Now, a lesser-known novel by a French author, Eric Rohmer, is getting attention for its portrayal of a complex, all-consuming relationship.
The novel, Élisabeth, wasn’t an instant hit when it first came out in 1946. In fact, it was reissued sixty years later, under a different title, La Baitisse. This 2023 reissue caught the attention of author André Aciman, who writes about Rohmer’s exploration of love and desire in the novel.
While Élisabeth may not have been a bestseller initially, Eric Rohmer, the 20th-century French philosopher, playwright, and filmmaker, was known for his nuanced explorations of human relationships. His novels often featured introspective characters navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and morality.
Rohmer’s portrayal of intimacy in Élisabeth is raw and unflinching. The novel tells the story of a romantic affair between two young women, which sets off a chain reaction of obsessive thoughts and desires. This portrayal of same-sex desire in 1940s France is particularly striking, given the societal norms of the time.
The 1946 release of Élisabeth was a significant cultural moment in French literature, marking a shift towards more explicit discussions of sex and relationships. Sixty years later, the reissue of La Baitisse brought this lost novel back into the spotlight, offering readers a new perspective on Rohmer’s work.
What this means: The reissue of Élisabeth highlights the importance of reevaluating historical works of art and literature. By reexamining the societal context in which they were written, we can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas that were groundbreaking at the time. This novel’s portrayal of same-sex desire serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for representation and respect in literature.
