Release date is 2026-04-12

Juhani Kärkkäinen and Tapio Riikonen

"Clèvesin prinsessa" by Madame de La Fayette is a novel written in the late 17th century. It depicts the glittering yet treacherous court of Henri II through the story of the virtuous Mademoiselle de Chartres—soon the Princesse de Clèves—torn between duty to her honorable husband and a dangerous attraction to the irresistible Duke of Nemours. The work is an early, elegant psychological drama about love, honor, and reputation amid ceaseless court intrigue.

The opening of the work begins with a substantial introduction that situates it within French classicism, contrasting sprawling earlier romances with this novel’s unity, clear style, and psychological focus, and sketching the author’s life and the book’s reception. The narrative then unfolds at Henri II’s brilliant court—ruled in practice by Diane de Poitiers’s influence—amid rival factions (Guises versus Montmorency), diplomatic maneuvers, and talk of English politics that briefly entangle the charismatic Nemours. Mademoiselle de Chartres enters the court, having been carefully educated by her mother in prudence and virtue; her beauty stuns all. Prince de Clèves falls deeply in love and respectfully proposes, while the equally smitten Guise is thwarted by rank and politics; a grander Montpensier match is blocked by palace intrigue. The marriage to Clèves is concluded, yet his joy is shadowed by her cool gratitude rather than love, even as she remains impeccable and reserved. Finally, Nemours returns for festivities, and at a court ball she first sets eyes on him as he is presented to dance with her—an electrifying moment that hints at the emotional conflict to come. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Hämeenlinna: Arvi A. Karisto Oy, 1926