GAY LIFE (A Satire on the Lifestyle of the French Riviera): The Côte d'Azur Stories During Jazz Age

By E. M. Delafield

E. M. Delafield's 'Gay Life' is a witty and incisive satire that takes a humorous look at the extravagant lifestyle of the French Riviera. Delafield's keen observations and sharp wit invite readers to reflect on the excesses and frivolities of the elite social circles featured in the novel. Set against the backdrop of the glamorous Riviera, the book offers a clever commentary on societal norms and values during the early 20th century. Delafield's writing style is characterized by a dry humor and clever wordplay, making 'Gay Life' an entertaining and thought-provoking read. The novel's exploration of themes such as wealth, privilege, and social status remains relevant even in today's society, making it a timeless piece of literature. E. M. Delafield's own experiences as a social commentator and novelist undoubtedly influenced the creation of this satirical masterpiece. Drawing from her own observations of the upper classes, Delafield infuses 'Gay Life' with authenticity and insight into the world she portrays. I recommend 'Gay Life' to readers who appreciate satirical works that offer a sharp critique of societal norms and behaviors, as well as those interested in the social dynamics of the early 20th century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Musaicum Books
• Release date: Nov 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9788027231874

E. M. Delafield

E. M. Delafield (1890-1943) was born in Sussex. Her mother was also a well-known novelist, writing as Mrs Henry de la Pasture, and Delafield chose her pen-name based on a suggestion by her sister Yoé. A debutante in 1909, Delafield was accepted as a postulant by a French religious order in 1911 but decided against joining, a topic she explores in her novel Consequences (1919). Delafield worked as a nurse in a Voluntary Aid Detachment following the outbreak of the First World War, and her first novel Zella Sees Herself was written during this time and published in 1917. Diary of a Provincial Lady, her most successful novel, inspired several sequels and is a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of Delafield herself, written after a request by the editor of Time and Tide for some 'light middles' in serial form.