Olivia by Dorothy Strachey PDF Download

“Olivia” is a novel written by Dorothy Strachey, published in 1949. The story is set in a girls’ boarding school in France during the late 19th century. The novel follows the experiences of Olivia, a young English girl who attends the school.

Olivia arrives at the school and quickly becomes enamored with the headmistress, Mademoiselle Julie. She is drawn to Julie’s intelligence, charisma, and unconventional ways. Olivia develops a deep emotional attachment to Julie, which soon turns into a romantic infatuation. Olivia becomes consumed by her feelings and becomes increasingly isolated from her classmates.

As the story progresses, Olivia’s love for Julie becomes more intense, but she realizes that her feelings are not reciprocated. Julie, while appreciating Olivia’s affection, does not share the same romantic interest. Olivia’s unrequited love causes her great anguish and leads her to question her identity and desires. You may also like An American Beauty by Shana Abe PDF Download

Complicating matters further, Olivia meets a fellow student named Gisèle, who becomes her close friend. Gisèle is aware of Olivia’s feelings for Julie and helps her navigate her emotions. Olivia finds solace in her friendship with Gisèle and begins to explore her own sense of self.

The novel explores themes of sexual awakening, desire, and the complexities of relationships. It delves into the inner world of Olivia as she grapples with her identity and the unattainable love she harbors for Julie. The book provides a sensitive portrayal of same-sex desire at a time when such themes were not openly discussed.

Overall, “Olivia” is a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into the emotional landscape of a young girl discovering her sexuality and navigating the complexities of love and identity in a restrictive society.