THE GOVERNESSES
Anne Serre, trans. Mark Hutchinson (Les Fugitives)
Anne Serre’s The Governesses presents a plethora of social injustices against women within society. Although explored so overtly through language, the issues remain hidden behind the house’s domesticated walls. Behind “the golden yellow gates” of the setting, the women are empowered, but outside, they roam without purpose. The fairytale style of narrative is ironic; it is not about dreams, love or fulfilment but instead about Serre subverting this style to reveal something more sinister about our society. I was left feeling somewhat disappointed with the world once I turned the last page. Initially, the book itself appears so far from our own reality, but once we explore behind those barriers and the gates set up by Serre, it appears that it’s not so far from what we know at all.
words Molly Govus
Price: £10. Info: www.lesfugitives.com