Adieux: A Farewell to Sartre by Simone De Beauvoi

“Adieux: A Farewell to Sartre” is a memoir written by Simone de Beauvoir about her relationship with the French philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre. The book was published in 1981, two years after Sartre’s death.

In “Adieux”, de Beauvoir reflects on her life with Sartre, from their early years as struggling writers to their later years as renowned intellectuals. She recounts their travels, their love affairs, and their collaborations, as well as the challenges and difficulties they faced as public figures and political activists.

The book is also a tribute to Sartre’s life and work, and de Beauvoir provides insights into his philosophy and his impact on French literature and culture. She describes his writing process, his ideas about existentialism and Marxism, and his relationships with other writers and intellectuals of the time.

Throughout “Adieux”, de Beauvoir reflects on her own life and her role as a writer and feminist thinker. She examines the challenges and limitations faced by women in the 20th century and discusses her own struggles to assert her independence and creativity.

“Adieux: A Farewell to Sartre” is a poignant and intimate portrait of one of the most influential literary and philosophical couples of the 20th century. De Beauvoir’s writing is insightful and evocative, and her memoir provides a unique perspective on the intellectual and cultural landscape of post-war France.