The Vagabond

The Vagabond is a novel by Colette that follows a woman’s journey toward independence after the breakdown of her marriage. The story centres on Renée Néré, a stage performer who travels and works alone after leaving behind an unfaithful husband. As she navigates life on her own, she reflects on love, loneliness, financial uncertainty, and the challenges of maintaining freedom while longing for emotional connection. Her encounters with others, including a persistent admirer, force her to confront what independence truly costs. Poetic and introspective, the novel explores themes of autonomy, identity, love, and solitude, offering a nuanced portrait of a woman seeking to define herself outside of traditional relationships.