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Suite Francaise

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Suite Francaise

By: Irene Nemirovsky
Narrated by: Carole Boyd
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About this listen

In June 1940 France fell to the Nazis. The effects of this momentous event on the lives of ordinary Parisians and the inhabitants of a small rural community under occupation are brilliantly explored in Irène Némirovsky’s gripping and heart-breaking novel. Némirovsky herself was a tragic victim of the Nazi regime but she left behind her this exceptional masterpiece. In Suite Française she conjures up a vivid cast of wonderful characters who find themselves thrown together in ways they never expected. Amidst the mess of defeat, and all the hypocrisy and compromise, there is hope. True nobility and love exist, but often in surprising places.

©2006 Irene Nemirovsky (P)2011 Random House AUDIO GO Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military Heartfelt Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking War Military
All stars
Most relevant
An extraordinarily, vivid, contemporary and moving account of the aftermath of the French collapse during the Second World War .
Published sixty years after the authors death.

A masterpiece

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I was totally gripped my this by this wonderful reading of and didn’t want it to end.

Perfect performance of a masterpiece.

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Yes I don't think this book would appeal in anyway to the average bloke! If it is not a true story it certainly reads like one. The author, who was tragically murdered at Auschwitz by the Nazis, writes about the Parisiennes fleeing from the German Occupation. Packing up their treasures, organising their children, locking up their homes and carrying food for the journey.. The reader is there with them in the muddle of hundreds of refugees searching for a safe place to travel to but there is limited petrol and the menfolk, who would have helped, are away fighting at the Front.
Meanwhile the Germans have arrived in France and have been billeted on to the French people in their homes. Of course the soldiers are most unwelcome although they try to be friendly and helpful. They don't want the war any more than the French.
Lots of little vignettes of various families but I suppose the main one is where a French girl whose husband is away fighting falls in love with a German officer. Tut! tut! Beautifully written you will not be disappointed.

Dare I say this?? A woman's book!

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Superb book. The story of the book's genesis certainly adds to how impressive it is.

Excellent

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Would you listen to Suite Francaise again? Why?

I'm not sure I would listen to it again but I did enjoy it the first time around.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lucille. She does not prejudge anyone. She has an innate sense of what is good and decent about people and can see through their veneer.

Have you listened to any of Carole Boyd’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, I have not so cannot compare this one to any other.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The part when you realise that Benoit is going to end up in the home of Jean Marie, the man whom his wife loves.

Any additional comments?

Its a well written book that in time will become a must read classic.

A good read.

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