The original description of Bonjour Tristesse really captured my attention towards the book. I felt that I would be able to resonate with the main character, assuming she is around my age and the problems she faces throughout the book. And as much as I could relate to Cecile, the plot went in a different way from what I originally expected. I think that because I had a preconceived notion as to what the book was about, my expectations were not met and therefore I didn’t enjoy the book as much as I would have liked to. Besides that I felt like I could relate to some of the problems Cecile was facing throughout the book. Specifically, the issue she faced in accepting her father’s relationship with Anne. As I have a step parent as well, I resonated with how Cecile felt in accepting the decreased amount of attention she would receive from her father when his relationship with Anne started. I also had a tough time in accepting that my mom would be less attentive towards me, as she grew her relationship with her new boyfriend, as I was used to receiving her full attention for many years. Although, I feel that Cecile had a harder time because of the control Anne felt like she had over her, which was something I didn’t have to deal with. Anne’s superiority in controlling Cecile angered me because personally I feel that in certain situations, step-parents do not get to control a child that is not their own. Sure they can put in their opinions if asked, but full control is something I don’t necessarily agree with. I understand that Anne was looking out for Cecile’s best interest but I felt it was taken overboard, and Cecile needed to learn some of those lessons on her own- she needed more freedom to explore. With Anne always making the decisions for her, Cecile was not able to go off and explore other options that may suit her better than what Anne had originally thought. Anne’s control over Cecile and Cyril’s relationship bothered me as she had just broken up a relationship between Raymond and Elsa herself, so why does she feel that she is entitled to give her opinion to Cecile.
My questions I have regarding this text are:
How would you feel if Anne was your stepmother and acted the way she did towards you? Would you go along with what she had to say in respect to her or speak up for yourself?
Oh, you didn’t like Anne much, did you? 🙂 I wonder, however, if you let Cecile’s father off the hook… what kind of a father is he?
If I am reading your blog right (and thank you for sharing your thoughts!), you we’re anticipating relating to the protagonist in one way (for her youth, even if our protagonist “uses it neither as an excuse nor as a privilege” and “doesn’t attach any importance to it” – 109), and yet found yourself relating to her in quite another (family relationships)!
I have added your question to our list of possible discussion topics…
*you were (excuse the typo)…
Hi Sophia! I really enjoyed reading your personal insight into the novel. Having a step-parent that entered my life at around the same age as Cecile, I can certainly relate to her. Thankfully my step-parent in no way was as controlling as Anne. I can’t imagine the frustration that must have caused Cecile. While Cecile’s actions were not justifiable, I can certainly sympathize with her and the sudden manner in which her life was completely changed. As young teens, we’re often very accustomed to routine and our ways of life, and for it to be changed so suddenly is certainly an unwelcome suprise. Thanks again for your insight!
-Mackenzie Dewar-Pratt.
Hi Sophia! Great response, I really enjoyed reading it! To answer your question, I think I would speak up to my father and Anne about how I was feeling and my concerns. Especially if she slapped me in the face (pg.39), that definitely crossed physical boundaries in my opinion. If nothing changed, I think Cecile was at an age in her life that she could just run away and provide for herself. This is probably something I would’ve done put in her position. But of course, that in itself comes with a plethora of complications. At the same time, I personally have never experienced a step-parent relationship, so it ‘s a hard thing to judge.
-Tamara Vukota
Hello!! I really enjoyed reading your response 🙂 I honestly had very similar feelings towards this book, especially before starting it. I read the description and thought “A teenager dealing with young love and familial issues, could be very interesting as well as relatable!” Like you, it definitely was not what i was expecting.