Journal Entry 1 by JDT from Pleasanton, California USA on Sunday, May 09, 2010

picked up this nice-quality copy at our library sale - to share. 

Journal Entry 2 by JDT from Pleasanton, California USA on Thursday, May 20, 2010

The story of how this compelling novel (written in 1940's wartime Paris) was preserved then came to be published 60 years later is as amazing as the well-written-story of the exodus of families from the city.

The difficulty some wealthy/privileged people have acknowledging the harsh realities of war that affect everyone, reminded me of the powerful movie: Tea with Mussolini. (" Do you know who I am?)"

I have to admit to skimming some parts - so much detail.

Makes me wonder how I would handle a similar chaotic and uprooting situation... Sometimes the best and the worst in people surfaces.
 

Journal Entry 3 by JDT from Pleasanton, California USA on Thursday, May 20, 2010

and now a littl invitation/wishlist bookring.

- Ri - OP
- wiley90 - WI
- JerrilynnL - CO

The usual respectful guidelines, please:

- Journal the book's safe arrival - then your thoughts when you finish it
- PM next person on the list for address
- Help keep the bookring moving - maybe 3-4 weeks should be enough time - or let us know if there's a problem
- Enjoy the bookring - and this nice group of bookcrossers! 

Journal Entry 4 by Ri at Cincinnati, Ohio USA on Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Thanks for starting me off in this bookring, JDT! I just finished Sarah's Key, a fictional account of the experience of French Jews in Paris in 1942, so I am anxious to read another account of the time.  

Journal Entry 5 by Ri at Cincinnati, Ohio USA on Monday, June 28, 2010

I really wanted to like this book. It dragged on more than I would have liked though. It was an interesting look at occupied France during WWII, but overall, it felt monotonous and at times chaotic, as if in need of a good editor. I did like, though, the look at the interactions between the social classes in France as well as the way the French interacted with the occupying German troops.

What is more compelling for me is the story behind this story, that of the author. I understand that she wanted the novel to be in 5 parts and to intertwine more than happened in the first 2 parts, which were the only ones written before she was killed in a concentration camp. What I found most interesting was to read the notes and letters included in the appendix, rather than the novel itself. This could have been a fantastic novel had it been completed and revised as Nemirovsky would surely have done. Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short and this could never happen.

Wily90 has asked to be skipped. I've gotten the address for JerrilynnL and will be sending this along to her.

ETA: Mailed on June 29. 

Journal Entry 6 by JerrilynnL at Denver, Colorado USA on Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Arrived safely in Denver. Thanks for sharing. :-) Will read shortly ... 

Journal Entry 7 by JerrilynnL at Denver, Colorado USA on Thursday, February 17, 2011

This was a really well-written book that was very difficult to read. I think this is why I've had it so long (that and being at the end of the ring). It's very sad and disturbing. It reminds me a bit of the movie Crash -- all these people out for themselves and their lives intersect. You couldn't really like any of them -- except the couple in Paris (Michauds). The author's notes in the back mention she wanted to stress them: "people who always pay a price and the only ones who are truly noble."

Thanks for sharing JDT and for including the article about the author. I'll be sending this back to you shortly. 

Journal Entry 8 by JerrilynnL at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, March 14, 2011

Released 11 mos ago (3/14/2011 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

back to JDT. 

Journal Entry 9 by JDT at Pleasanton, California USA on Sunday, March 20, 2011

This traveling book safely home!
Thanks, JerrilynnL - and Ri for joining my bookring.
Happy almost-Spring! 

Journal Entry 10 by JDT at Maison et Jardins de Monet / Monet House & Gardens in Giverny, Haute-Normandie France on Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Released 9 mos ago (4/27/2011 UTC) at Maison et Jardins de Monet / Monet House & Gardens in Giverny, Haute-Normandie France

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

on the steps from the gardens to the gift shop

part of my 52 Towns in 52 Weeks Challenge 2011
Hope you enjoy the book, then help us track its journey