The Comedienne

A portrait of ambition and performance, where identity is shaped by applause and its absence.

In The Comedienne, Władysław Reymont presents a psychological and social study of an actress navigating the demands of artistic life and personal aspiration. Written with realism and emotional insight, the novel examines the tension between public persona and private self.

The narrative follows a young woman drawn into the world of theatre, where talent, ambition, and social maneuvering intersect. As she pursues success on stage, she becomes increasingly aware of the pressures that shape performance both within and beyond the theatre. Relationships, rivalries, and professional expectations influence her choices, revealing how artistic identity can be both empowering and consuming.

Reymont explores the instability of fame and the emotional cost of sustaining a public role, highlighting the distance between outward expression and inner experience. The Comedienne endures as a study of art, identity, and the fragile boundary between performance and reality.

This Carlini Classics edition presents the complete, unabridged text in a beautifully designed format made to last.

• A psychological and social portrait of theatrical life
• A focused exploration of ambition, identity, and performance
• A timeless reflection on art, success, and personal cost

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Beautifully designed print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text made to last.

• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.

• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, available on all major audiobook platforms.

Elegantly produced and enduring in form, this edition preserves Reymont’s insight in a volume designed for lasting appreciation.

About the author

Władysław Reymont (1867–1925) was a Polish novelist and Nobel laureate, best known for his epic The Peasants (1904–1909), which earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1924. A master of realism, Reymont drew from his own experiences—including work as a railway clerk, actor, and traveler—to craft vivid, socially incisive narratives. The Comedienne (1896), inspired by his time with theater troupes, showcases his sharp critique of ambition and societal constraints. His works remain celebrated for their psychological depth and unflinching portrayal of human struggles.