Today we simply throw a party or run to our nearest Starbucks and grab a coffee with a friend, but there was a time when meeting with friends just to hang out and chat was not only unheard of, but the content of discussions was clearly though out. Some topics were just not spoken about and other forbidden. In the 18th century, Salons became most popular for many reasons. Some argued that the salon was an extension of the French court, a place for high society to mingle, others: a place to practice manners, discuss divergent topics and yes, mingle with those of a lesser class.
Women played a profound role in the forming of the French Salon, creating a place to meet and discuss ideas, politics and bring together members of both sexes as well as aristocrats and members of the bourgeois; quite an interesting concept for each would influence the other in manner of dress, speech and the exchange of ideas. Women were the center of salon life with academics being the central theme.
In Eternal Hunger, the young mortal Josette Delacore is forced to be a part of her mother’s salon, by reading Tarot cards for her guests, a welcome diversion to the academic discussions of the day and as the city of Paris swelled with talk of a revolt, many sought to have their fortunes read.
It is on one such occasion she meets a mysterious man, one who her mother has set her own sights on, being recently widowed, only to discover he wants her daughter. Thus begins the secret affair between Josette and Monsieur Richard, who we discover is the vampire Gaétan. He sees beyond her beauty to her blood which calls to him with dreams of immortality. In him, Josette sees a wealthy patron, someone who will give her an apartment of her own, clothing and jewels and allow her to create her own salon; away from the world her mother has created for her.