First published in 1899, La neuvaine de Colette is a quiet novel that packs an emotional punch. Jeanne Schultz, writing under the pen name Jean Bertheroy, crafts a story that feels both specific to its time and timeless in its concerns.

The Story

The plot is deceptively simple. Colette is a devoted daughter whose mother falls dangerously ill. In her powerlessness and despair, she turns to a traditional Catholic practice: she promises to complete a 'neuvaine,' nine days of specific prayers and observances, in exchange for her mother's healing. The book follows those nine days almost hour by hour. We see Colette's initial fervent hope, the exhausting routine of prayer, and the slow grind of anxiety as her mother's condition doesn't magically improve. The real drama isn't in external events, but in Colette's internal struggle. She battles doubt, exhaustion, and the terrifying thought: what if this doesn't work? What does that say about her faith, or about God? The tension builds not with action, but with the quiet weight of a single, fragile hope hanging in the balance.

Why You Should Read It

Don't let the religious framework fool you—this is a deeply human story. Schultz writes Colette with such tenderness and honesty. You feel the ache in her knees from kneeling, the dryness in her throat from whispered prayers, and the storm of fear in her heart. The book is a masterclass in showing how immense psychological struggles play out in the smallest, most ordinary moments. It’s about the universal experience of making a bargain in a crisis, whether with God, fate, or the universe itself. It asks how we find meaning and sustain hope when we are utterly powerless. Colette's journey is one of spiritual growing up, of moving from a childlike transaction with the divine to a more complex, nuanced understanding of faith and love.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love character-driven stories and don't need a fast-paced plot. If you enjoyed the interiority of novels like Virginia Woolf's or the quiet emotional pressure of a short story by Alice Munro, you'll find a kindred spirit here. It's also a fascinating window into the piety and daily life of a young French woman at the turn of the 20th century. La neuvaine de Colette is a short, poignant read that lingers long after you finish the last page. It’s for anyone who has ever loved someone enough to promise the impossible.