The letters of Madame de Sévigné : To her daughter and friends

Madame de Sévigné’s correspondence unfolds as an intimate diary of a devoted mother and a keen observer of her world. Writing to her daughter and close friends from the salons of 17th‑century France, she blends everyday anecdotes with vivid sketches of court happenings, offering listeners a lively picture of aristocratic life, fashion, and the politics that drifted in the background. Her voice is warm and witty, turning simple domestic concerns into reflections on love, friendship, and the fleeting joys of family.

The letters also reveal the subtle tensions between the bustling public sphere and the quieter realm of home, where Sévigné cultivates a gentle, refined sensibility. Her keen eye captures the personalities of notable contemporaries while remaining rooted in the tender bond with her child. This collection invites listeners to step into a bygone era, feeling the pulse of daily rituals and the enduring affection that shaped a timeless literary legacy.