The two women met at that intersection of their lives, and - to their own astonishment - fell in love with each other. But lesbian couples could not live in their world, so Philippa became Philippe, and they married and even adopted and raised a daughter, Mimi.

Their story is told, alternately, in the three womens' voices, a story that understand and mourns hatred and prejudice, but which also affirms the love and caring and commitment that can transcend even violence and death.

Légende was published under the pseudonym Jeannine Allard in 1984 by Alyson Publications, Inc.

Sometime in the last century, two women living on the coast of France, in Brittany, loved each other. They had no other models of such a thing, so they chose this solution: one of them posed as a man for most of their life together; they were married, adopted a child, and were very happy together.

The one who posed as a man was lost at sea, and a statue was erected to her, symbolizing all the collective losses suffered by their small town. Many years later, when it was known that she had in fact been a woman, the statue was destroyed by angry and frightened people.

This legend is still told in Brittany. Now Jeannine Allard has built from it, creating a hauntingly beautiful story of two women in love.

"The mysticism adds just the right quality of fanciful anomaly to make the aura of legend almost palpable." — Bay Area Reporter

"This is a book to read on a cold winter's night while you sit in a well-heated room sipping brandy, oblivious to time." — New Directions for Women

"This is a small simple book of powerful images and emotions, of strong and vital women. Cruelty and raw survival are pictured realistically but with poetry." — The Midwest Book Review

"This is not just another pretty tale. For all lovers of fine fiction, Legende must surely find its way to your bookshelf and attention." — Big Apple Dyke News

"The story is charming and mystical; the writing possesses a lyrical quality which I enjoyed. I commend the author for the richness and distinctiveness of the two lovers. This book is a must." — Baltimore Gay Paper

"Allard's style of writing is such that the reader, rather than feeling aloof from the main characters, feels instead a oneness with the women who "lived out a destiny with authenticity, faithfulness, courage and hope - the potential which resides inside each of us.'" — Cascade Voice