Gigi and The Cat

This latest edition of two of Colette's most sparkling stories will introduce a new audience to the lifestyle of the rich and famous in Paris at the turn of the century. 'Gigi' and 'The Cat' are two very different love stories. 'Gigi' examines the relationship between men and women in a way which may seem alien to a modern reader, while 'The Cat' gives a whole new perspective to the idea of 'three's a crowd'. Gigi is a nubile young 15-year-old. Headstrong and charming, beautiful yet insouciant about the effect of her beauty on those around her, she is being schooled by her grandmother and aunt to enter Parisian society as a courtesan. This is a world light years away from prostitutes in red-light districts or even madams in high-class brothels: Gigi must learn about choosing cigars, cutting ortolans and eating lobster - etiquette is as important as sexual prowess, and the entrapment of a wealthy man is tantamount to a military campaign. The lover selected for Gigi is an old family friend, Gaston Lachaille, a wealthy roue with something of a reputation for lecherous behaviour. Despite the difference in their ages (Gaston is 33), Grandmamma and Aunt Alicia are determined to bring the couple together - not with any matrimonial plans in mind ('We never marry in our family') but purely as a business arrangement. Gigi, however, has known 'Tonton' for years, and resists any attempt to be press-ganged into his bed to suit the schemes of her family; she is an old-fashioned romantic at heart who believes in true love. The heroine of 'The Cat', an altogether darker and more disturbing tale, is a voluptuous young bride, Camille, whose relationship with her new husband is threatened by his long-standing affection for his pet cat. This unlikely premise lends itself to a tale full of bitterness and despair, rampant jealousy and frustrated sexual passion. Alain is powerfully attracted to his beautiful wife, yet nurtures a sense of dislike and coldness towards her. Camille has an almost feline grace, constantly insinuating herself into her husband's arms; but always she knows a part of him belongs entirely to his cat Saha. Colette gradually increases the tension - Camille finds it increasingly unbearable to share a house with her Russian Blue rival, and eventually she takes drastic action, with terrible consequences. Colette has a reputation for erotic writing, yet it is her subtle insights into the machinations of men and women as they conduct their relationships which she finds endlessly fascinating. These two stories are perfect examples of her consummate skill at combining sensuality and wit. (Kirkus UK)