Close your
eyes and go back in time and space to find yourself for one moment in Paris, 1847. "This
story is true" - as we are ascertained by Alexander Dumas on opening
of this charming romance novel. The title heroine is a Parisian courtesan -
Margaret Gautier - a beautiful young girl, who is always accompanied in the
theater by a small bouquet of her favorite white or red camellias. The story begins
with a bid of belongings of the deceased Margaret, among which our author and
narrator finds a book, with a hand written dedication which arose his interest.
On the first page he sees an inscription "To Margaret - Humility. Armand
Duval". The intrigued narrator buys the book, and several days later he is
paid a visit by a strange man who introduces himself as Armand Duval. He wants
to get the book back, as it is a memory of his tragic love. The buyer agrees to
give to book back on the condition that Duval will tell him the story of his
and Margaret's love. And here, traveling with the carriage of time, we become
familiar with the story of two lovers. He saw her for the first time in a
market place, when she was dismounting her carriage, dressed all in white. From
that time on he searched for the English beauty. He meets her one day at the
theater, but the spoilt girl, used to a large crowd of adorer treats him in a
dismissing manner. Armand, not discouraged, persistently fights to win her
feelings and thanks to his boyish kindness of heart and the honesty of his
feelings wins Margaret, who gives up her Parisian circle of dubious
morality. Yet their happiness does not last long. In the world of conventions,
ruled by the power of money and connections there is no room for a true, pure,
innocent love. In enters Armand's father, a man loyal to tradition and his
beliefs. He persuades Margaret that for the benefit of her lover she should end
this relationship, in order not to ruin his future, protect the honor of his
name, and to sacrifice herself for his happiness. The girl agrees, sacrifices
her feelings to save her lover from shame, and once again, throws herself into
Parisian prostitution. Yet, one who once knows the taste of true love, will not
be able to live without it. Lonely, physically and mentally exhausted the Lady
of Camellias comes down with tuberculosis which leads her to death. She
dies awaiting for the one man she had ever loved in her life. We close
the book with tears in our eyes, not willing to accept the fact that a true
feeling does not always win. And knowing one thing - everyone, regardless of
origin, money or social position is entitled to love.