Release date is 2009-05-15

Produced by Mireille Harmelin, Eric Vautier and the Online Distributed Proofreaders Europe at http://dp.rastko.net. This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica)

"Mémoires d'une contemporaine. Tome 5" by Ida Saint-Elme is a memoir written in the early 19th century. This autobiographical work chronicles the author's experiences and reflections during a transformative period in European history, particularly the tumultuous years of the French Revolution and the subsequent rise and fall of the French Empire. The narrative focuses on the author's encounters with notable figures and explores her personal struggles amidst the broader socio-political upheaval. The opening of the memoir introduces the author's urgent need to reconnect with the court of the Grand Duchess in Florence after a period of wandering. She reflects on the ingratitude of former courtiers and the shifting political landscape as former allies turn against the French presence in Italy. Through vivid descriptions, the author depicts the state of turmoil as well as her unwavering loyalty to the Grand Duchess, as they navigate the adversities of political betrayal and exile. This section sets the tone for a deeply personal narrative filled with political insight and emotional depth, drawing readers into the complex interplay of personal and historical narratives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified