This Months Book
SUITE FRANCAISE
by Irene Nemirovsky
please read along with me and send me your thoughts on thisbook. auntybernice17@optonline.net
If you thought you’d heard, read and seen all the movies you ever wanted to about WWII, you might want to think again. SUITE FRANCAISE by Irene Nemirovsky, is a novel about France and the German occupation, written while it was happening. This story is told in two parts of what was supposed to be a five part book, and written by a women celebrated in pre-WWII France for her bestselling fiction.
The book was never finished because Irene, who was born a Russian- Jewish, and had converted to Catholicism, was arrested and sent to Auschwitz in July of 1942. She died there one month later. Her two young daughters, had the manuscript. thought it was her diary and thought it too painful to read. Her eldest daughter finally read it, was astonished to find it was a novel, and had it translated and published in 2004.
Irene Nemirovsky tells of both collaboration and resistance among people motivated by personal loyalties and grievances that dated from before the war. She concentrates on a few individuals caught up in the collective panic and uses them to represent a multitude of people. I found this book mesmerizing and felt that it stood on its own as a novel, although the author intended to write much more.
There are two appendices at the back of the book along with the preface found in the original French edition. If you decide to read this book don’t miss out on reading the fascinating story behind the story found in the appendices.
|
The first books I remember reading were the Nancy Drew Mystery Series. I’m pretty sure I read every one and although I cannot remember any of the details I do remember I wanted to be Nancy Drew. When I married and had children life became complicated in addition to demanding and my reading of books decreased until it was almost nil. My reading material consisted of newspapers, magazines and the occasional book.
When I moved into my present home, in a brand new community, there was a clubhouse with lots of activities including a book club. After the original organizer had to withdraw I was persuaded to take over. Since I wasn’t reading very much at that point and had no previous experience, I had a lot of apprehension, nevertheless I realized these were my neighbors and friends so I decided I would give it a try.
I spent many hours researching how to run a discussion group and what kinds of questions to ask. Our group has met once a month since June 2002 and have enjoyed reading and discussing over 40 books. So now I’m looking forward to using this website as another venue to hold discussions about books. I hope you’ll join me often to discuss our monthly selections, give me your opinions, thoughts, ideas and share my love of reading.
Email address, auntybernice17@optonline.net |
Last Months Book
THE FOREVER YEAR
by Ronald Anthony
please read along with me and send me your thoughts on thisbook. auntybernice17@optonline.net
This novel, published in 2003, was apparently overlooked by the public. What a shame, as it was one of those books you hate to put down. It captured my attention from the first sentence and held it to the end.
The author, Ronald Anthony, was a successful, high-powered NYC publishing executive who after 20 years decided it was time to attain his dream. This was his first novel and it was an outlet for handling his grief after his father’s passing. This is a story about relationships between family members and also romantic passionate love. You might want to put this on your list of must reads.
Mickey Sienna is in his 83rd year and after almost burning his house down is forced to move in with the youngest of his four children. Jesse is unmarried and was never particularly close to his dad, he was much closer to his mom, who died a few years ago. Never-the-less it is his idea to have his father live with him, although his siblings thought a nursing home would be the best place for their father. Jesse prevails and what ensues is an awakening for both of them.
|
