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Almost 70 years after it was written, Simone de Beauvoir's unpublished novel arrives in Brazil, containing a story fundamental to the formation of one of the most important intellectuals of the 20th century.
Written in 1954, five years after the publication of The Second Sex , Inseparables is the autobiographical novel that tells the story of the passionate friendship that united Sylvie (Simone de Beauvoir) and Andrée (Élisabeth Lacoin, Zaza).
Sylvie and Andrée met at age 9 at Desir school, in Paris during the First World War. Andrée is fun, cheeky, and daring; Sylvie, more traditional and shy, quickly finds herself irrevocably attracted to her. However, behind her rebellious attitude, Andrée must contend with a fervent Catholic family whose rigid traditions and oppressive environment are determined to crush any expression of individuality. Together, they forge a path to freedom from the conventions of their time and stifling expectations, unaware of the tragic price they will have to pay for their freedom and intellectual and existential ambitions.
The Inseparables recounts the experiences that underpinned the revolt and work of the great French philosopher: her emancipation and the antagonism between intellectuals and conservatives. It also portrays and denounces a hypocritical and fanatical society. This cathartic story of Simone de Beauvoir, published with personal photos and letters exchanged between the two friends, as well as an introduction by Sylvie Le Bon de Beauvoir, constitutes a true literary event.
“Offering a new perspective on Simone de Beauvoir's early life, this unprecedented book explains how this close and tragic relationship shaped her views on sexism and gender inequalities.” - Elle
“A passionate and tragic story [...] that immerses the reader in early 20th-century Paris and follows the tribulations of two rebellious young women who question what is expected of them as women.” - Vanity Fair
“A formative chapter from Simone de Beauvoir's youth and a pivotal relationship that shaped her views on gender inequality and sexism.” - New York Times
“A moving and captivating novel about the friendship between two women.” - The Guardian
“The revolt against conservative social values.” - The Times
“Would there have been a Simone de Beauvoir without a Zaza?” - El País
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