Claudie Hunzinger's 'Elles vivaient d'espoir' Reveals Mother's Lesbian Love Story
Claudie Hunzinger's book 'Elles vivaient d'espoir' (Grasset) uncovers the passionate romance between two young teachers, Emma Hunzinger and Thérèse Pierre, in 1930s France. Based on letters and journals found by the author, the narrative follows their love across provincial towns, their separation by WWII, and their divergent fates: Emma married an Alsatian who collaborated with Nazis, while Thérèse joined the Resistance, was arrested by the Gestapo, tortured, and killed on October 26, 1943. A plaque bearing Thérèse Pierre's name marks the entrance of the primary school in Fougères. The book reflects on love, sacrifice, and the choice between personal and universal devotion.
Key facts
- Book 'Elles vivaient d'espoir' by Claudie Hunzinger published by Grasset.
- Based on letters and journals of the author's mother, Emma Hunzinger.
- Emma Hunzinger and Thérèse Pierre were teachers in love in the 1930s.
- They lived apart due to postings in small provincial towns, communicating by letters.
- Thérèse Pierre was a Resistance member, arrested by Gestapo, tortured, and killed on October 26, 1943.
- Emma Hunzinger married an Alsatian who collaborated with the Nazi occupiers.
- A plaque with Thérèse Pierre's name is at the entrance of the primary school in Fougères.
- The book includes an excerpt from Emma's last notebook: 'It is through the devastation of myself that I finally built myself.'
Entities
Artists
- Claudie Hunzinger
- Emma Hunzinger
- Thérèse Pierre
Institutions
- Éditions Grasset
Locations
- Fougères
- France
Sources
- artpress —