Set in Paris's demi-monde at the beginning of the 20th century, Chéri by Colette is a passionate story of devotion, misplaced desire and the passage of time.

Chéri is part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, pocket-sized classics bound in real cloth with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is translated by Janet Flanner, who was an extraordinary writer and journalist. She was the Paris Correspondent for The New Yorker for 50 years.

Fred Peloux, affectionately nicknamed Chéri, is handsome, spoilt and unserious. Until now he’s lived a life of hedonistic luxury, and has been indulged in his every desire. His long-term love affair with Léa de Lonval, a beautiful, ageing courtesan, has run its course, and after being encouraged by both his mother and Léa, he finally agrees to marry the young and beautiful Edmée.

While seeing Chéri marry is the very thing she wanted, Léa feels her young lover’s absence more keenly than expected. And as Chéri comes to terms with a new way of living, he begins to realise that he is very much in love . . . but not with Edmée.