Paris. 1980. Romain Gary is moving inexorably towards suicide.

Romain GARY (1914.1980)

Autograph letter signed to his doctor.

An in-8 ° page on NRF header paper.

Autograph envelope stamped but not cancelled.

[Paris]. May 10, 1980

“I’ll continue. Thank you.”

A tragic and disturbing note left by Gary to his doctor, Dr. Lepêtre, whose office on Rue de Narbonne was located a few dozen meters from the writer's apartment at 108 Rue du Bac in Paris. These few brief words, seemingly positive about his psychological state, hide the latent despair that accompanied the last years of Gary's life. Six months after this note, on December 2, 1980, the writer committed suicide by firearm at home.

_________________________________________

Dear Madam,

Just a quick note to let you know your treatment was successful.

I continue.

THANKS.

Friendships.

Romain Gary.

_________________________________________

On the afternoon of December 2, 1980, at home, Romain Gary slipped a .38-caliber revolver into his mouth and killed himself. At the foot of his bed, he left a mysterious note dated "D-Day" : "No connection with Jean Seberg ," it read. Those with broken hearts should seek help elsewhere."

A Companion of the Liberation, Gary was given military honors followed by a Russian chant at his funeral on December 9. His ashes were scattered, according to his wishes, in the Mediterranean Sea.

Note: The envelope, although stamped, bears no postmark. Gary must have delivered his letter directly.