Countess of Ségur facts for kids
Sophie Rostopchine, known as the Countess of Ségur, was born Sofiya Feodorovna Rostopchina in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on August 1, 1799. She passed away in Paris, France, on February 8, 1874. She was a French writer, but she was originally from Russia.
Today, she is most famous for her children's novel, Les Malheurs de Sophie.
Contents
Her Early Life and Family
Sophie's father was Count Fyodor Rostopchin. He was a high-ranking officer and later became the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Russia. In 1812, he was the governor of Moscow when Napoleon I of France invaded Russia with his large army.
Some historians believe Sophie's father helped organize the great fire of Moscow. This fire forced Napoleon's army to make a very difficult retreat.
In 1814, Sophie's family left Russia. They traveled through different parts of Europe, including the Duchy of Warsaw, the German Confederation, and the Italian Peninsula. Finally, in 1817, they settled in France.
In France, Sophie's father hosted gatherings called "salons" where people discussed ideas. Sophie and her mother changed their religion from Russian Orthodoxy to Roman Catholicism.
Marriage and Writing Career
Sophie met Eugène Henri Raymond, Count of Ségur, at her father's salon. They got married on July 13 or 14, 1819.
Her husband was often away, but they had eight children together. One of their children was Nathalie de Ségur.
The Countess of Ségur started writing novels when she was 58 years old.
Her Famous Books
The Countess of Ségur's novels were published between 1857 and 1872 by Hachette. Her books were collected in 1990 under the title Œuvres de la comtesse de Ségur.
Here are some of her well-known books:
- Un bon petit diable
- Les Malheurs de Sophie
- Diloy le chemineau
- Mémoires d'un âne
- Jean qui grogne et Jean qui rit
- Le Mauvais Génie
- François le bossu
- Les Caprices de Gizelle
- Pauvre Blaise
- La Fortune de Gaspard
- Quel amour d'enfant !
- Les Petites Filles modèles
- La sœur de Gribouille
- Blondine
- Après la pluie, le beau temps
- Les Vacances
- L'auberge de l'Ange Gardien
- Le général Dourakine
Images for kids
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An illustration from François le bossu
See also
In Spanish: Condesa de Ségur para niños
