Welcome to Litsy!

This book was written in 1937 by Belgian #feminist author, Madeleine Bourdouxhe. Translated from French by Faith Evans. The story is a timeless "she loves him, but he loves another, who loves someone else" tale. It rings just as true today as it did 80+ years ago. The 'Femme', Elisa, stands by her man and her family throughout her husband's affair, but at what cost? Is the cold, empty heart of her husband enough for Elisa?
#Belgium

This book was written over 80 years ago and is still relatable today. The story takes place in pre WW2 Belgium and is the story of a love triangle of Elisa, who is the wife of Gilles, who has an affair with Victorine, who also happens to be Elisa's youngest sister. Madeleine Bourdouxhe is a Belgian author whose rise to success was delayed due to WW2. She never stopped writing, and her work was rediscovered in the 1980s.
#Belgium #feminism

At just over 100 pages, this novel centers on a woman named Elise, who is besotted by her philandering husband (he's sleeping with her sister 😑) and in an attempt to win back his affections, becomes his confidante and gives him advice on how to maintain his affair. Like many early feminist novels, Elise is a woman who doesn't know her own options and ultimately comes to a heart-wrenching end. Read the stellar intro & endnotes too.