La Petite Fadette

George Sand

Published by Penn State University Press 2017

La Petite Fadette

George Sand
Translated by: Gretchen van Slyke

https://doi.org/10.1515/9780271080260

Overview
Contents

About this book

Set in the French countryside of George Sand’s childhood and narrated in the unique voice of a Berrichon peasant, La Petite Fadette is a beloved 1848 novel about identical twin brothers and Fadette, the mysterious waif with whom they both fall in love. The brothers, Landry and Sylvinet, belong to a highly respected farm family. When young Landry meets Fadette, whose very name suggests that she is a witch, he is captivated by the girl despite her lowly status and disreputable family. Sylvinet soon follows suit. Fadette’s relationship with the twins defies the patriarchal norms of French society as well as the expectations of the village, resulting in a tale of love, courage, and clever strategy winning out over superstition and prejudice.

Often regarded as a simple country tale, Sand’s novel is layered with meaning, including subtle nods to the burgeoning desire for political and sexual equality in nineteenth-century France. This thoughtful critical translation by Gretchen van Slyke brings the complexity of the original story to life. Her introduction explores the autobiographical and political dimensions of the novel, and her translation preserves the rustic charm and archaic flavor of Sand’s language.

An invaluable contribution to French literary studies and nineteenth-century literature studies, this new edition ensures that La Petite Fadette will be read by generations to come.

Author / Editor information

Sand George :

George Sand (1804–1876), born Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, was one of the most celebrated female writers of the nineteenth century.van Slyke Gretchen :

Gretchen van Slyke is Professor of French at the University of Vermont. Her previous translations include Rosa Bonheur: The Artist's (Auto)biography by Anna Klumpke and The Countess von Rudolstadt by George Sand.

Reviews

“This story of misrecognition itself wears a cunning disguise, seeming just another folkloric love tale set in the Berry, but under its apparently timeless surface dealing with urgent questions provoked by the 1848 revolution.”
—Michèle Roberts, Times Literary Supplement

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	v
Acknowledgments Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Translator’s Note Publicly Available Download PDF	viii
Introduction Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
La Petite Fadette Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	33
Appendix Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	167
Notes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	168
Bibliography Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	179

Language: English
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Audience: Professional and scholarly;
Pages
- Main content: 192
Keywords: twins; brothers; love; France; society; courage; superstition; prejudice; politics; gender equality; culture

eBook

Published: November 10, 2017
ISBN: 9780271080260