“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.”
Chapter 1
The novel opens in the luxurious Parisian apartment of Léa de Lonval, a retired courtesan in her late forties. She has spent the last six years in a passionate affair with Fred Peloux, nicknamed Chéri, a beautiful but spoiled young man nearly half her age. Their relationship is one of mutual indulgence—Léa enjoys his youth and beauty, while Chéri relishes her wealth and affection.
Chapter 2
Chéri’s mother, Madame Peloux, a former courtesan herself, arranges his marriage to Edmée, a young woman from a respectable family. Though Chéri is indifferent to the match, he agrees out of habit. Léa, though hurt, maintains her composure, pretending the affair meant little to her.
Chapter 3
After the wedding, Chéri and Edmée settle into a loveless marriage. Chéri grows restless, realizing too late that he misses Léa. Meanwhile, Léa attempts to move on, traveling and distracting herself with other lovers, but she remains haunted by memories of Chéri.
Chapter 4
Chéri’s dissatisfaction deepens. He becomes moody and withdrawn, unable to connect with his young wife. One night, he impulsively visits Léa, seeking comfort in their old intimacy. Their reunion is bittersweet—both are aware that their time together is fleeting.
Chapter 5
Léa, recognizing that their relationship cannot last, encourages Chéri to return to his wife. He resists but eventually leaves, torn between duty and desire. Léa, now fully confronting her aging, decides to leave Paris, accepting that her days as a lover are over.
Chapter 6
Chéri struggles to readjust to married life. His unhappiness manifests in cruelty toward Edmée, who remains patient but confused. He drifts through society events, feeling increasingly empty. Meanwhile, Léa settles in the countryside, attempting to find peace in solitude.
Chapter 7
In a moment of desperation, Chéri seeks out Léa one final time. He confesses his inability to live without her, but she refuses to rekindle their affair, knowing it would only prolong their suffering. Heartbroken, Chéri returns to Paris.
Chapter 8
The novel ends ambiguously. Chéri, unable to bear his emotional turmoil, contemplates suicide. The final scene leaves his fate uncertain, while Léa, though resigned to her solitude, carries the weight of their lost love.
Key Ideas
- The fleeting nature of beauty and youth
- The emotional toll of aging and lost love
- The contrast between superficial desire and deep emotional attachment
- The societal expectations of relationships and marriage
- The inevitability of change and personal growth
Who should read this book?
- Readers who enjoy psychological depth in romantic relationships
- Fans of early 20th-century French literature
- Those interested in themes of aging and societal expectations
- Lovers of character-driven narratives with emotional complexity