Olivia (Rossner novel)

Olivia is the title character and protagonist of the 1949 novel Olivia by Dorothy Bussy (writing under the pseudonym Olivia). The novel is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story centered around a young English girl, Olivia, at a French finishing school for girls near Paris.

The novel follows Olivia's intellectual and emotional awakening during her time at the school. She is initially shy and insecure, but she is drawn into the intense, almost theatrical, atmosphere created by the charismatic heads of the school, Mlle Julie and Mlle Cara.

Olivia develops a powerful infatuation with Mlle Julie, a stern but brilliant teacher. This infatuation becomes the central conflict of the novel, as Olivia grapples with her feelings of admiration and love within the complex social dynamics of the school. The novel explores themes of female adolescence, repressed desire, the power of education, and the beauty and pain of first love.

Olivia's character is portrayed as sensitive, introspective, and highly imaginative. Her narration provides an intimate view into her evolving understanding of herself and the world around her, particularly the intense emotional landscape of the all-female environment. The novel traces her journey from a naive young girl to a more self-aware and emotionally mature young woman, shaped by her experiences and particularly her unrequited love for Mlle Julie.