ALS in French, three pages, 5.25 x 8.5, December 7, 1882. Letter offering his thoughts on a piece by a female writer. In full (translated): "I am finishing la Couleuvre [The Grass Snake], and I want to tell you a few frank words about it, at the flight of the pen, still under the reading warm feeling. You guessed right, I prefer la Couleuvre to Peche d’une Vierge [Sin of a Virgin]. The first part is quite well by me: There is there a close study, exact analysis, of people living standing firmly on their two feet. Then, the study seems to me to get lost a little in thesis, we see the defense appearing for the divorce; and you know that I am not from the utilitarian school, I consider that our role is simply to bring documents. Thus, your documents are refutable, your Lucien is at least imprudent to let himself be caught by death, without having settled his affairs, in favor of his new family. But my great quarrel,—because I am going to quarrel with you,—will turn to the invoice. I find that you intervene too much, that you draw useless consequences, that the work would benefit being trimmed of personal reflections and parasite reasoning. So let the reader do their own thinking. I was reflecting upon our impeccable Flaubert while reading your book, and I made myself a promise to be severe as he would have been, to show you that I treat you as a man. There, my heart is relieved, I only have to be kind now. Your Flavie at the beginning, I repeat it, is analyzed with a rare observation talent: She deserves to remain as a standard model. Gerard peaceful corner is of a happy opposition, very nice in clear tones; I like Nadine a lot, a nice girl apart from honesty cliches, what is rare. Finally, you can be happy, there is there sincere work, that I would like only more close to the text; maybe is it me who is wrong, for demanding of everyone the form that I like in me and in friends. My wife is also finishing la Couleuvre and sends you her affectionate congratulations. Undoubtedly, the weather is too bad, I believe that our visit to Mantes fell through. Let’s postpone for the spring, should not we? and let’s arrange to meet in Paris, where we could have a good encounter at common friend’s house. In fact, as soon as we get back, which will not happen before the end of January, my wife will write you, so you can come shake our hands, on your first trip.” In fine condition. A long, boldly penned letter with excellent content as Zola discusses the craft of writing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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