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A review by mat_tobin
Catherine Certitude by Patrick Modiano
4.0
A story within a story, this tale is a ‘love letter to Paris’ as seen through the eyes (or glasses depending on her mood) of Catherine. Living with her father in the great city, Catherine’s world seems as ambiguous and mystifying as it would to any young child. Her father’s work remains indistinct and unusual with Catherine having more questions than answers as is the reason for her mother living in New York as a ballet dancer while her and her father remain in Paris.
Catherine only finds peace with the world when, like her father, she takes off her glasses and her surroundings become ‘soft and fuzzy’. For the more observant reader, there are questions around the people who Catherine meets and rubs shoulders with but none are more interesting than her own father whose own story slowly unravels as the tale comes to a close.
Sempé’s illustrations are beautiful and light and I especially loved the city scenes of both Paris and New York.
Catherine only finds peace with the world when, like her father, she takes off her glasses and her surroundings become ‘soft and fuzzy’. For the more observant reader, there are questions around the people who Catherine meets and rubs shoulders with but none are more interesting than her own father whose own story slowly unravels as the tale comes to a close.
Sempé’s illustrations are beautiful and light and I especially loved the city scenes of both Paris and New York.