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

Romain GARY (1914.1980)

Autographed letter signed to his doctor.

An in-8 ° page on NRF header paper.

Autographed envelope, stamped but not postmarked.

[Paris]. May 10, 1980

"I'll continue. Thank you."

A tragic and disturbing note left by Gary for his doctor, Dr. Lepêtre, whose office on Rue de Narbonne was just 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, conceal 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 gunshot at his home.

_________________________________________

Dear Madam,

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

I'll continue.

THANKS.

Best regards.

Romain Gary.

_________________________________________

On the afternoon of December 2, 1980, at home, Romain Gary put a .38 caliber revolver in his mouth and took his own life. At the foot of his bed, he left a mysterious note dated "D-Day" : "No connection with Jean Seberg ," it read. " Those interested in broken hearts are asked to look elsewhere."

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

Note: the envelope, although bearing a stamp, has no postmark. Gary must have obviously mailed his letter directly.