A Gallimard Author, 1953–56

This chapter discusses Nathalie Sarraute's completion of her manuscript on her novel “Martereau” at the end of November 1952. It details Nathalie's submission to Marcel Arland at Gallimard, which was her third attempt to find a home with the publishing house from which she continued to seek consecration. It also notes how Nathalie's chances of acceptance had much improved after meeting Arland at Royaumont, when he encouraged her to send him “Martereau” once it was finished. The chapter discloses how Nathalie remained with Gallimard for all her subsequent writing. It reveals that Nathalie's books never sold in sufficient numbers to justify a regular retainer, as shown in her engagement diaries, which contain notes of sums received from the publisher that suggests money continued to be an object of concern.