Hypocritical post-war society was even less prepared for reading the first-person-narrative of a girl who doesn’t see any sense in studying, who drinks too much and who enjoys her first sexual experiences with her boyfriend Cyril without the faintest intention of getting married. It was daring of Françoise Sagan to write a novella about seventeen-year-old Cécile who lives with her playboy father and doesn’t mind his changing affairs. In 1954, when Bonjour Tristesse first came out, it caused a scandal. Everything works out although with unexpected consequences which make Cécile experience real sadness for the first time. She uses her sound knowledge of her father’s, Anne’s, Elsa’s and Cyril’s character to spin an intrigue to spoil the wedding plans. At this point Cécile knows that she must get rid of Anne in order not to be doomed to the life of boring monotony which she fears so much. In addition Anne obliges Cécile to pass part of the day studying for the baccalauréat which she failed in the first attempt. Soon Anne takes over the role of a mother towards Cécile and makes an end to her free intercourse with Cyril when she finds them kissing on the porch. She admires Anne for her intelligence and style, but also feels that she and her father will have to give up their superficial and extravagant lifestyle. Cécile’s feelings about the marriage are ambivalent. The following morning Cécile learns that Anne and her father decided to get married. Raymond leaves Elsa after dinner without a word. Knowing well her philandering father, Cécile anticipates difficulties with the two attractive women in the house and proves to be right during a night out in Cannes. One night Raymond announces that a friend of his late wife, Anne Larsen, will be joining them. From then on Cécile and Cyril go sailing together every day. After about a week Cyril, a law student in his twenties, turns up in the bay with his small sailing-boat. They pass carefree days in the sun at the sea.

Seventeen-year-old Cécile, her widowed father Raymond and his current mistress Elsa retire to a secluded white villa at the French Riviera for the holidays.

Francoise sagan bonjour