Inseparable

A Never-Before-Published Novel

By: Simone de Beauvoir

Narrated by: Julia Whelan, Gabra Zackman

Finalist for the French-American Florence Gould Translation Prize

A novel by the iconic Simone de Beauvoir of an intense and vivid girlhood friendship that, unpublished in her lifetime, displays “Beauvoir's genius as a fiction writer” (Wall Street Journal)

From the moment Sylvie and Andrée meet in their Parisian day school, they see in each other an accomplice with whom to confront the mysteries of girlhood. For the next ten years, the two are the closest of friends and confidantes as they explore life in a post-World War One France, and as Andrée becomes increasingly reckless and rebellious, edging closer to peril.

Sylvie, insightful and observant, sees a France of clashing ideals and religious hypocrisy—and at an early age is determined to form her own opinions. Andrée, a tempestuous dreamer, is inclined to melodrama and romance. Despite their different natures they rely on each other to safeguard their secrets while entering adulthood in a world that did not pay much attention to the wills and desires of young women.

Deemed too intimate to publish during Simone de Beauvoir’s life, Inseparable offers fresh insight into the groundbreaking feminist’s own coming-of-age; her transformative, tragic friendship with her childhood friend Zaza Lacoin; and how her youthful relationships shaped her philosophy. Sandra Smith’s vibrant translation of the novel will be long cherished by de Beauvoir devotees and first-time readers alike.

Well written coming of age of DeBeauvoir and friend

This biographical short novel describes the intense, very close friendship between deBeauvoir and a very complex and troubled young woman from ages 9 to 22. Her observations of strict Catholic moral strictures and how they affect her friend, as well as other closely observed details, give readers a well-written look into a piece of early 20th-C French upper class life.

Not what I expected

I was so bored the whole way through. I wanted to like it. It was alright at best.