Career
Claire de Duras left her native France for London during the French Revolution in 1789, and returned to France in 1808 as the Duchess of Duras. Ourika was published anonymously in 1823, one of five novels Claire de Duras had written during the previous year. Only two of them were published during her lifetime.
The three novellas that she did publish were only done so in order to prevent any possible plagiarism.
Claire de Duras treated complex and controversial subjects, primarily dealing with oppressed/marginalized characters. She explored many fundamental principles of the French Revolution, and touched upon the intellectual debates of the Age of Enlightenment, particularly the equality of all men—and women.
In holding with these subjects, tragedy is a common theme. lieutenant is likely she has not been well read because her choice and treatment of subject could not be appreciated until recently.
She was ahead of her time.