In the late 1600s, François-Timoléon de Choisy—a man of the church and comfortable aristocrat—did something extraordinary. He began periodically living as a woman. Adopting the name the 'Comtesse des Barres,' he would don fine gowns and wigs, travel to different provinces, and fully immerse himself in the social world of ladies. His memoir is the surprisingly candid account of these adventures.

The Story

The book isn't a single, plotted narrative with a clear climax. Instead, it's a series of episodes and reflections. We follow Choisy as he navigates the practicalities of his disguise, learns the manners and speech of women, and observes how people interact with him differently. He attends parties, receives suitors (which he handles with clever deflections), and experiences the unique freedoms and constraints of his adopted role. The 'plot' is the internal journey of a man exploring a different side of his identity in a society with very rigid rules.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me most was Choisy's tone. He's not writing a shocking exposé or a guilty confession. He's observant, witty, and often seems genuinely joyful in recounting the beauty of the clothes and the pleasure of the performance. It makes you think deeply about identity as something we all 'put on' to some degree. His story is a powerful reminder that questions of self and presentation are not modern inventions. You're getting a firsthand look from a time we often think of as strictly black-and-white.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love immersive historical memoirs, true stories that defy expectations, or early texts that explore gender fluidity. If you enjoyed the personal voice in something like Samuel Pepys's diary but want a story with a truly unique central premise, this is your next read. It's a short, fascinating glimpse into a mind and a life far ahead of its time.