"An important work of early Modernism--long unavailable in America--now in a stunning new translation. Hailed by Jean Cocteau as a "masterpiece," and by the Guardian as "Bret Easton Ellis's Less Than Zero, avant la lettre," this taut tale written by a teenager in the form of a frank "confession" is a gem of early twentieth century romanticism. Set in Paris during the first World War, it tells the story of Francois, the 16-year-old narrator, who falls in love with Marthe--an older married woman whose husband is off fighting at the Front. What seems to begin as a charming tale of puppy love quickly darkens, and they launch into a steamy affair. In the tense environment of the wartime city, their love takes on a desperation transcending their youthfulness. And as the badly kept secret of their relationship unfolds, scandal descends when Marthe becomes pregnant, leading the story to a final, tragic conclusion"--