Scan barcode
jodar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A gripping but grim, grubby story of a young man in occupied France during World War 2. Growing up fatherless, with a dysfunctional home life, he becomes arrogant, violent, selfish and unfeeling towards others.
Towards the end, though, he senses what he has lost in life and reaches a point of honesty with himself and with those he realises belatedly he truly needs and loves.
Any translation is effectively a paraphrase – this one reads well – but nevertheless, despite being written originally in 1948, the novel does not feel at all dated. Its psychological realism and grittiness of despair ring true today.
Towards the end, though, he senses what he has lost in life and reaches a point of honesty with himself and with those he realises belatedly he truly needs and loves.
Any translation is effectively a paraphrase – this one reads well – but nevertheless, despite being written originally in 1948, the novel does not feel at all dated. Its psychological realism and grittiness of despair ring true today.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Misogyny, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Minor: Alcohol
More...