Love Notes and Letters: And, the Letter Case Book

Desjardins tells her lover not to blame her if she is deprived of her life by his absence. After all, her soul is more with him than with herself. Such declarations of subjugation alternate with reproaches, reminders, and avowals of undying love. As strong and honest as they are, Desjardins resisted their publication in 1668, fearing they would sully her reputation as France's first professional woman novelist. She countered with The Letter Case, six years later, using as was her habit the name of her lover, Villedieu and achieving, as was also her habit, another best-seller. Translator Laland provides an introduction tracing the life and career of Desjardins, including an account of the long wait for her return to prominence amongst twentieth-century feminist critics. Distributed by Associated University Presses. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR