Novel: The Grave of Alice B. Toklas

Introduction
"The Grave of Alice B. Toklas" is a 1989 novel by Otto Friedrich, which checks out the life of the well-known author, Alice Babette Toklas, her connection with various popular artistic figures of her time, and her relationship with the famous author Gertrude Stein. The novel portrays the intricate relationship in between Toklas and Stein, their individual lives, and their effect on the world of art and literature in the early 20th century. The story is embeded in Paris, and apart from the fictionalized account of Alice's life, it also provides a window into the creative and cultural landscape of the city at that time.

Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein
Alice B. Toklas is introduced as a hopeful Jewish author living in San Francisco in the early 20th century. After receiving a letter from Gertrude Stein, a popular American author and art collector living in Paris, she chooses to travel to France and make Stein's acquaintance. Once they satisfy, an immediate connection establishes between the two women. Although both of them are authors, Stein takes center stage as the outgoing and more well-known figure of the set, whereas Toklas presumes a quieter, more submissive role as her partner and secretary.

Toklas relocates with Stein in her house, located at 27 Rue de Fleurus in Paris, and becomes the latter's confidante, fan, and muse. Amongst the many artistic circles that revolve around Gertrude Stein, Toklas is the one closest to her heart. For her part, Toklas supports and promotes Stein's work, while also serving as her faithful amanuensis, cook, and housemaid. This dynamic between them continues for nearly 4 decades.

27 Rue de Fleurus and the Salon
The unique offers a vibrant image of the life at 27 Rue de Fleurus, which becomes a meeting point for the avant-garde artists and writers of that time, such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Henri Matisse. Stein and Toklas host weekly beauty parlors where these innovative minds gather, talk about concepts, and review one another's works.

Toklas, in spite of her secondary position, still manages to put in a considerable impact on their visitors. As explained in the book, she is often at the helm of managing and maneuvering the social dynamics in their beauty salon. Additionally, the novel acknowledges the stabilizing function she played in Stein's individual life, along with the creative energy she provided for the artists who frequented their home.

The Effect of World War II
The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent German profession of France has an extensive influence on the lives of Toklas and Stein. As Jews, both of them deal with the risk of arrest, deportation, and possible extermination. In spite of these dangers, the couple decides to stay in France and spends the war years in relative isolation in a provincial village.

Throughout this time, Toklas is required to reduce her Jewish identity in order to survive, while Stein's relationship with her progresses to that of companionship and deep psychological assistance. Luckily, they hold up against the ordeal of the war and return to Paris in 1945.

After Gertrude Stein
In 1946, Gertrude Stein passes away, leaving Toklas bereft and alone. In the aftermath of Stein's death, Toklas disappears into obscurity. The novel ends with a contemplative evaluation of Toklas' presence and identity after Stein, as she tries to find her own place on the planet of art and literature without her lifetime buddy.

In conclusion, "The Grave of Alice B. Toklas" by Otto Friedrich is an interesting expedition of the lives of 2 remarkable women, their work, and the bond that binds them together. It provides a distinct look into the lively artistic scene of the early 20th century Paris and successfully humanizes the legendary figures of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.