Sagan 2008

In 1954, Francoise Sagan had her debut novel Bonjour Tristesse published at the young age of 18. Within a few months she earned over 500 million francs in royalties. The early and immense success allowed her to lead a life of freedom and excess, unhampered by constraints or wealth or social expectations. The French media called her "the charming little monster". She was among the most talked about literary celebrities of her day, and she remains one of France's most influential novelists.