Book Review: La Mare Au Diable by George Sand
Happy New Year everyone!
Here at the Honeyed Knot, 2011 has not quite come to a close as I have yet to post all my reviews of the French Female Writers Throughout the Ages reading challenge. It's good that Céline granted us challengers an extension so I have got until the end of January to post three more reviews including the one below! And then I'll start on 2012 for which I've already sign up for two reading challenges... clearly biting off more than I can chew but that's material for another post.
Title: La Mare Au Diable
Author: George Sand
Genre: French classics
Originally published: 1846
Publisher:
Pages: 272
English translation: The Devil's Pool
First translated: 1901
This read was for the 2011 French Female Writers Throughout the Ages reading challenge, 19th century novel.
This novel is one of the French classics you are meant to study in school so I am not quite sure how it happened that I had to wait for Céline's reading challenge before I got around to reading it!
La Mare au Diable can be acquired in pretty much any French bookstore from your tiny local one to the big Fnac and should not cost you over two Euros. Quite a nice change from the other books I had to track down for this challenge and it's also a nice proof (if any was needed) that Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin, aka George Sand, is a writer that has left its impact on French readers and literature.
I think many foreigners have heard of George Sand, a woman ahead of her times, if perhaps not for her literary talent, at least for her unconventional lifestyle (namely cross-dressing and extramarital affairs). In fact, I think her life is as fascinating as her fiction but that would really be the topic of another post so let's get back on track.
La Mare au Diable is a short novel, part of a series that is referred to as George Sand's "champêtre" novels, set in the countryside of her native Berry region which was dear to the author. The novel is a criticism of certain simplistic and stereotypical perception of countryside folks and clearly aims at giving a more accurate and flattering portrayal of farmers and people raised and living in rural environments. Over the course of 130 pages, George Sand depicts these people as experiencing a wide range of complex emotions, emphasizing the notions of justice and morality. It's worth mentioning that this of course ties in perfectly with George Sand's socialist views as she had very liberal political views.
The novel opens on the depiction of an engraving by Holbein and the author's reflections on the land, the balance between nature and death. The narration then zooms in on a young farmer, Germain, widower, father of three, who works hard on his father-in-law's land. Germain is a handsome fellow in his late twenties who sincerely mourns his wife, Catherine, and has so far expressed no desire to remarry. However, his father-in-law, Father Maurine, who appears as the omnipresent, god-like father figure in the novel, is always ready to strike a good deal. Father Maurice has a lady in mind, and should Germain find her to his liking, the resulting union could bring some more than welcomed assets to the family. Since Germain has no financial wealth of his own and that his three children are being raised by their aging grandmother and Catherine's sisters and sisters-in-law, he accepts to go and meet this woman, who's also a widow and who lives several kilometers away. Germain is a good natured man, quite happy to surrender to his father-in-law's keen sense of business and profit, provided the lady pleases him. He also sees how remarrying would benefit his children and release his mother-in-law and sisters-in-law of the burden of raising them. On the day prior to his departure, it is decided that Germain will also travel with sixteen year old Marie who's to start working in a farm close to where Germain is heading, as her mother and herself desperately need the money.
As they set off, events take an unexpected turn. Germain and Marie are delayed by the appearance of little Pierre, German's eldest son who is about seven years old. Little Pierre disobeyed his grandfather and run off as he was too upset at the idea of being left behind by his father. The group's progression is slowed down by the presence of this uninvited fellow and because Little Pierre soon grows hungry they stop in a tavern, adding further delay to their journey. The travelers then come across a pond and decide to stop for a rest, again on Little Pierre's account as the child now grows tired. As the boy falls asleep, Marie and Germain start chatting and the reader can only presume that the characters have reached the pond that is referred to as the devil's pool. Indeed, the landscape's changed and acquired a nearly supernatural element (veiled moon, fog, etc.). Later, as t
he travelers try to set off again and walk for several hours before ending up right where they'd started, at the devil's pool. As it seems best to wait for daylight before setting off again, they decide to spend the night near the pond.
Germain spends a difficult night torn between his growing feelings for Marie, which has turned out to be very resourceful during this trip, taking care of Little Pierre, all the while putting together a decent meal when all is thought lost. Witty, clever and down-to-earth Marie appears as a nothing short of a good fairy. However, Germain's feelings appear to be one-sided as he confesses his love to the young girl. The novel takes drastic turn, while during its first half, Germain's quest seemed to be dominated by reason, the second half sees his feelings taking over.
As it is later revealed, Marie is also undergoing an inner transformation although she's trying very hard not to give in to her feelings. During this trip, Marie will grow from young girl to woman. This is perhaps pure speculation on my part as I have not read nearly enough titles published around that period to properly claim this, but it certainly feels like George Sand is somewhat feminizing the traditional quest by adding Marie's perspective and personal growth to the narrative.
By the time Germain reaches his destination (he's parted ways with Marie and left Little Pierre in her care for a few hours), his quest has clearly changed and we don't expect him to find anything where he's headed. And indeed, the widow Guérin is presented as a haughty and spoiled woman who already has quite a number of suitors. Seeing this, Germain lies about his presence there, claiming he's only in town to purchase a pair of bulls for his father-in-law. I admit that while I understand the reasons why the widow has to be depicted in a negative light so as to make the reader regret Mary, I grew slightly annoyed at what Germain's held against her. The widow Guérin is lucky enough to have a second chance at life, after the death of her husband and if we assume that her first marriage was not one of love, as it was often the case, one can certainly understand why she would be taking her time this time around, exploring all of her options. But all these reasons do not seem to make it in Germain's reflection as all his thoughts are bent towards Marie as he keeps opposing Marie's simple manners to the widow Guérin's fake sophistication.
Meanwhile, Marie is experiencing some trouble of her own. Still accompanied by Little Pierre, Marie soon flees her new employer, who clearly had other things on his mind when he hired her and who's portrayed as the devil himself. The little group is reunited again at the pond, although Marie's employer has followed them. If he is the devil, Marie appears as the Virgin and Germain as the figure of Saint George. His confrontation between the two men feels like the reenactment of the mythical between Saint George and the dragon. This marks the social elevation of Germain's character and also coincides with Marie's realization of her feelings for Germain which she'll admit at the end of the novel. At any rate, Saint George is a strong figure in rural folklore, especially for George Sand as she's taken on his name.
An old lady also makes an appearance, her description will inevitably remind the reader of that of a witch but she's the one to name the pond and explain that none will find their way away from it at night.
Once they find their way home safely, despite social obstacles, Marie and Germain find their way to one another. Thanks to Little Pierre's intervention (who on more than one occasion seems to stand for divine intervention with his angelic features) and thanks to Germain's father-in-law's kindness and understanding, their marriage is celebrated by the entire village.
La Mare au Diable includes a strange mix of pagan ideology (witches, fairies and supernatural setting) and Christian elements. In many ways, it's an idealized depiction of farmers but a very liberal one nevertheless considering the fact it was written in 1846. It's social aim is clear, so is its spiritual and mystical aim, with its strong focus on morality and pious values, and its romantic sensibility that implies that an individual can be at one with nature.
Other reviews for this challenge:
Mémoires de la vie d'Henriette-Sylvie de Molière de Madame de Villedieu
Adèle de Senange by Madame de Souza
Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan
Trois Femmes Puissantes by Marie NDiaye
Here at the Honeyed Knot, 2011 has not quite come to a close as I have yet to post all my reviews of the French Female Writers Throughout the Ages reading challenge. It's good that Céline granted us challengers an extension so I have got until the end of January to post three more reviews including the one below! And then I'll start on 2012 for which I've already sign up for two reading challenges... clearly biting off more than I can chew but that's material for another post.
Title: La Mare Au Diable
Author: George Sand
Genre: French classics
Originally published: 1846
Publisher:
Pages: 272
English translation: The Devil's Pool
First translated: 1901
This read was for the 2011 French Female Writers Throughout the Ages reading challenge, 19th century novel.
This novel is one of the French classics you are meant to study in school so I am not quite sure how it happened that I had to wait for Céline's reading challenge before I got around to reading it!
La Mare au Diable can be acquired in pretty much any French bookstore from your tiny local one to the big Fnac and should not cost you over two Euros. Quite a nice change from the other books I had to track down for this challenge and it's also a nice proof (if any was needed) that Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin, aka George Sand, is a writer that has left its impact on French readers and literature.
I think many foreigners have heard of George Sand, a woman ahead of her times, if perhaps not for her literary talent, at least for her unconventional lifestyle (namely cross-dressing and extramarital affairs). In fact, I think her life is as fascinating as her fiction but that would really be the topic of another post so let's get back on track.
La Mare au Diable is a short novel, part of a series that is referred to as George Sand's "champêtre" novels, set in the countryside of her native Berry region which was dear to the author. The novel is a criticism of certain simplistic and stereotypical perception of countryside folks and clearly aims at giving a more accurate and flattering portrayal of farmers and people raised and living in rural environments. Over the course of 130 pages, George Sand depicts these people as experiencing a wide range of complex emotions, emphasizing the notions of justice and morality. It's worth mentioning that this of course ties in perfectly with George Sand's socialist views as she had very liberal political views.
The novel opens on the depiction of an engraving by Holbein and the author's reflections on the land, the balance between nature and death. The narration then zooms in on a young farmer, Germain, widower, father of three, who works hard on his father-in-law's land. Germain is a handsome fellow in his late twenties who sincerely mourns his wife, Catherine, and has so far expressed no desire to remarry. However, his father-in-law, Father Maurine, who appears as the omnipresent, god-like father figure in the novel, is always ready to strike a good deal. Father Maurice has a lady in mind, and should Germain find her to his liking, the resulting union could bring some more than welcomed assets to the family. Since Germain has no financial wealth of his own and that his three children are being raised by their aging grandmother and Catherine's sisters and sisters-in-law, he accepts to go and meet this woman, who's also a widow and who lives several kilometers away. Germain is a good natured man, quite happy to surrender to his father-in-law's keen sense of business and profit, provided the lady pleases him. He also sees how remarrying would benefit his children and release his mother-in-law and sisters-in-law of the burden of raising them. On the day prior to his departure, it is decided that Germain will also travel with sixteen year old Marie who's to start working in a farm close to where Germain is heading, as her mother and herself desperately need the money.
As they set off, events take an unexpected turn. Germain and Marie are delayed by the appearance of little Pierre, German's eldest son who is about seven years old. Little Pierre disobeyed his grandfather and run off as he was too upset at the idea of being left behind by his father. The group's progression is slowed down by the presence of this uninvited fellow and because Little Pierre soon grows hungry they stop in a tavern, adding further delay to their journey. The travelers then come across a pond and decide to stop for a rest, again on Little Pierre's account as the child now grows tired. As the boy falls asleep, Marie and Germain start chatting and the reader can only presume that the characters have reached the pond that is referred to as the devil's pool. Indeed, the landscape's changed and acquired a nearly supernatural element (veiled moon, fog, etc.). Later, as t
he travelers try to set off again and walk for several hours before ending up right where they'd started, at the devil's pool. As it seems best to wait for daylight before setting off again, they decide to spend the night near the pond.
Germain spends a difficult night torn between his growing feelings for Marie, which has turned out to be very resourceful during this trip, taking care of Little Pierre, all the while putting together a decent meal when all is thought lost. Witty, clever and down-to-earth Marie appears as a nothing short of a good fairy. However, Germain's feelings appear to be one-sided as he confesses his love to the young girl. The novel takes drastic turn, while during its first half, Germain's quest seemed to be dominated by reason, the second half sees his feelings taking over.
As it is later revealed, Marie is also undergoing an inner transformation although she's trying very hard not to give in to her feelings. During this trip, Marie will grow from young girl to woman. This is perhaps pure speculation on my part as I have not read nearly enough titles published around that period to properly claim this, but it certainly feels like George Sand is somewhat feminizing the traditional quest by adding Marie's perspective and personal growth to the narrative.
By the time Germain reaches his destination (he's parted ways with Marie and left Little Pierre in her care for a few hours), his quest has clearly changed and we don't expect him to find anything where he's headed. And indeed, the widow Guérin is presented as a haughty and spoiled woman who already has quite a number of suitors. Seeing this, Germain lies about his presence there, claiming he's only in town to purchase a pair of bulls for his father-in-law. I admit that while I understand the reasons why the widow has to be depicted in a negative light so as to make the reader regret Mary, I grew slightly annoyed at what Germain's held against her. The widow Guérin is lucky enough to have a second chance at life, after the death of her husband and if we assume that her first marriage was not one of love, as it was often the case, one can certainly understand why she would be taking her time this time around, exploring all of her options. But all these reasons do not seem to make it in Germain's reflection as all his thoughts are bent towards Marie as he keeps opposing Marie's simple manners to the widow Guérin's fake sophistication.
Meanwhile, Marie is experiencing some trouble of her own. Still accompanied by Little Pierre, Marie soon flees her new employer, who clearly had other things on his mind when he hired her and who's portrayed as the devil himself. The little group is reunited again at the pond, although Marie's employer has followed them. If he is the devil, Marie appears as the Virgin and Germain as the figure of Saint George. His confrontation between the two men feels like the reenactment of the mythical between Saint George and the dragon. This marks the social elevation of Germain's character and also coincides with Marie's realization of her feelings for Germain which she'll admit at the end of the novel. At any rate, Saint George is a strong figure in rural folklore, especially for George Sand as she's taken on his name.
An old lady also makes an appearance, her description will inevitably remind the reader of that of a witch but she's the one to name the pond and explain that none will find their way away from it at night.
Once they find their way home safely, despite social obstacles, Marie and Germain find their way to one another. Thanks to Little Pierre's intervention (who on more than one occasion seems to stand for divine intervention with his angelic features) and thanks to Germain's father-in-law's kindness and understanding, their marriage is celebrated by the entire village.
La Mare au Diable includes a strange mix of pagan ideology (witches, fairies and supernatural setting) and Christian elements. In many ways, it's an idealized depiction of farmers but a very liberal one nevertheless considering the fact it was written in 1846. It's social aim is clear, so is its spiritual and mystical aim, with its strong focus on morality and pious values, and its romantic sensibility that implies that an individual can be at one with nature.
Other reviews for this challenge:
Mémoires de la vie d'Henriette-Sylvie de Molière de Madame de Villedieu
Adèle de Senange by Madame de Souza
Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan
Trois Femmes Puissantes by Marie NDiaye