Book Review : Lady L by Romain Gary

This is an absolutely superb story written by the only person to win the Prix Goncourt twice (the second time under a pseudonym).

Lady L has an interesting past. She’s entertaining the Poet Laureate at her 80th birthday party taking place on her English estate.

Her conversation with the poet is interspersed with memories of the love of her life, the thief and anarchist Armand Denis. Lady L began life as Annette Boudin and when she grew up, she became involved in both the anarchist world and the world of the aristocracy. The connection between the two is that the anarchists stole items from the wealthy to fund their bombing and assassination campaigns based on information provided by Annette.

Eventually, Annette married into the aristocracy and lost contact with Armand when he was imprisoned for his terrorist activities. However, one day Armand turns up and asks Annette for one last favour – throw a party, invite lots of wealthy people, and then he and his cronies will steal their jewellery.

This goes according to plan, but then Armand says that he’s stealing the items for the poor of the world. Lady L just wants to run away with Armand and for them to be together for their rest of their lives. Armand’s reply is that his struggle is for the unfortunate of the world and Lady L realises she will never get her wish. What does she do?

When she and the Poet Laureate arrive in the pavilion in the garden, the truth is revealed.

Recommended.