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morganaverena's review against another edition
2.0
"My husband and I never discussed these reasons, I simply took them for granted. What could a man brought up in middle-class circles - where people got degrees and cultivated the art of irony - possibly have to say to honest, hard-working people like my parents? Although he acknowledged their kindness, in his eyes it would never replace a lively, witty conversation, sadly lacking in their case"
"My husband never looked working-class"
"...afraid they would lose everything and lapse back into working-class poverty"
2,5 ★
Found Ernaux's writing style a bit emotionless, like I was reading a newspaper. I don't know, but that made an impact through the reading that made me not like as much as I thought I would when I picked up this book.
Also, I got even more angry towards the working-class mentions on the eyesight of the bourgeois.
"My husband never looked working-class"
"...afraid they would lose everything and lapse back into working-class poverty"
2,5 ★
Found Ernaux's writing style a bit emotionless, like I was reading a newspaper. I don't know, but that made an impact through the reading that made me not like as much as I thought I would when I picked up this book.
Also, I got even more angry towards the working-class mentions on the eyesight of the bourgeois.
moonrivernotes's review
5.0
5☆ — "A while later I started writing a novel in which my father was the main character. Halfway through the book I began to experience feelings of disgust.
I realize now that a novel is out of the question. In order to tell the story of a life governed by necessity, I have no right to adopt an artistic approach, or attempt to produce something ‘moving’ or ‘gripping’. I shall collate my father’s words, tastes and mannerisms, the main events of his life, all the external evidence of his existence, an existence which I too shared.
No lyrical reminiscences, no triumphant displays of irony. This neutral way of writing comes to me naturally, it is the very same style I used when I wrote home telling my parents the latest news."
I realize now that a novel is out of the question. In order to tell the story of a life governed by necessity, I have no right to adopt an artistic approach, or attempt to produce something ‘moving’ or ‘gripping’. I shall collate my father’s words, tastes and mannerisms, the main events of his life, all the external evidence of his existence, an existence which I too shared.
No lyrical reminiscences, no triumphant displays of irony. This neutral way of writing comes to me naturally, it is the very same style I used when I wrote home telling my parents the latest news."