Promise at Dawn

Gabriele d'Annunzio was a passionate and ambitious mother who aimed to make her son a great man. This autobiography tells the story of his journey from poverty in Eastern Europe to the sensual world of the Côte d'Azur and his wartime pilot, resistance hero, diplomat, filmmaker, star, and one of the most famed French writers of his age.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Gabriele d'Annunzio, Ambassador of France!



Romain Gary's mother had a single-minded goal for her son throughout his life: to make him a great man. And she accomplished just that. This captivating, wildly romantic autobiography tells the story of his remarkable journey, from humble beginnings in Eastern Europe to the glamorous world of the Côte d'Azur and beyond. From a poverty-stricken childhood to a wartime pilot, resistance hero, diplomat, filmmaker, star, and one of the most celebrated French writers of his era, Gary's life was a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience.



Born in Odessa, Ukraine, in 1867, Gary's early years were marked by hardship and poverty. His father, a struggling musician, died when he was just nine years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his three siblings alone. Despite the challenges, Gary showed an early aptitude for writing and literature. He spent his free time reading books and writing poems, and his passion for storytelling would eventually shape his destiny.



At the age of 16, Gary left his hometown to pursue his dreams in Paris. He worked various odd jobs to support himself, including selling newspapers and working as a waiter. But his true calling was writing, and he spent every spare moment honing his craft. His first novel, "The Child of Providence," was published in 1893, and it quickly gained critical acclaim.



Gary's writing was characterized by his vivid imagination and his ability to capture the essence of human emotion. He wrote about love, loss, war, and politics, and his works were widely read and celebrated throughout Europe. In 1914, Gary enlisted in the French Army as a pilot during World War I. He served with distinction, flying numerous missions and earning several medals for his bravery.



After the war, Gary continued to pursue his literary career. He published several more novels, including "The Sea of Fog" (1921) and "The Portrait of a Lady" (1926), which were both critically acclaimed and sold millions of copies worldwide. He also became involved in politics, becoming a member of the French Senate and advocating for democratic reform.



In addition to his literary and political achievements, Gary was also a talented filmmaker. He directed several films, including "The Life of Emile Zola" (1937) and "The Man Who Liked Women" (1957), which were both well-received by critics and audiences alike.



Throughout his life, Gary remained a controversial figure. He was known for his eccentricities, his love of luxury, and his relationships with a series of women, including the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt. But his talent and his impact on French literature and culture cannot be denied.



Romain Gary's journey from poverty to fame is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. His life was a rollercoaster of emotions, successes, and setbacks, but he never lost sight of his dreams and his passion for storytelling. His autobiography is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the life and legacy of one of France's greatest writers.



In conclusion, Romain Gary's life was a remarkable tale of resilience, talent, and ambition. From his humble beginnings in Eastern Europe to his rise a wartime pilot, resistance hero, diplomat, filmmaker, star, and one of the most celebrated French writers of his age, Gary's journey was a testament to the human spirit. His writing was characterized by his vivid imagination and his ability to capture the essence of human emotion, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and readers alike. His life was a rollercoaster of emotions, successes, and setbacks, but he never lost sight of his dreams and his passion for storytelling. His autobiography is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the life and legacy of one of France's greatest writers.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 169 x 107 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241347638