Synopses & Reviews
"A masterpiece of promise." Jean Cocteau Raymond Radiguet wrote his most famous novel between the ages of 16 and 18, following his own love affair with a married woman. Francois, the adolescent narrator, meets Marthe in Paris at the start of World War I. They fall in love with each other while her husband is away at the Front. Their passion leads to a tragic climax four years later when Marthe passes off their love child as her husband’s legitimate child, even though everyone knows the truth. The themes of freedom, family, and passion against a background of war and honor created a scandal at the time of publication.
About the Author
Raymond Radiguet (19031923), the protégé of Jean Cocteau, wrote only two short but celebrated novels and a volume of poetry. His other novel is Count d’Orgel, first published posthumously by Cocteau, who also endorsed The Devil in the Flesh in a speech given in honor of Radiguet at the College de France.