3 Review(s)

The novella follows the life of Bébée, a young orphan girl living in a small village in France. She is known for her innocence, beauty, and kindness. Bébée is cared for by her older brother, Jean-Marie, who works as a woodcarver and makes two little wooden shoes for her.The narrative explores Bébée's simple and happy life until she encounters Countess Hermenstein, a wealthy and charming woman who takes an interest in Bébée due to her striking beauty. The Countess decides to take Bébée away from her village and introduce her to a more refined and luxurious lifestyle.As Bébée becomes part of the Countess's world, she experiences a stark contrast between her previous simple life and the glamour of high society. However, despite the allure of this new life, Bébée's innocence and genuine nature clash with the superficiality and pretensions of the aristocratic circles.The story examines themes of innocence, social class differences, the purity of heart versus the shallowness of high society, and the true values of life through the eyes of a young, unspoiled girl.