France Books

C'est la Folie was a non stop page turner of priceless and vast entertainment yet very informative proportions!
Michael, you have done what I and many others passionately aspire to. Your delightfully descriptive passages, brimming with tales of your courageous and at times hilarious lessons in bravery as well as the joyful experiences from the birth of the lambs and chicks to finally bringing your beloved piano and Luscombe home to France, have inspired me to leave no stone unturned in my personal quest of moving to France to learn to be brave (amongst many other things), too.
I was alongside you as you painted your shutters and wacked that viper twisted around your basin taps, I shed a tear when you had to bury Emil and rejoiced when the first chick pecked his/her way into this world.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful life and for inadvertantly encouraging me to find mine. I look forward to the next labour of love that will be forthcoming from your pen. In the meantime I continue to follow the goings on at La Folie in your column in the Telegraph.

I just finished the book last night. I truly loved it and found it very entertaining. I love Michael Wright's style of writing. This book is a must for those who love travelling and exploring different places.

"C'est la Folie" is the story of a Daily Telegraph literary critic/ journalist who threw up his life in the concrete jungle of South London, to take up the challenge of becoming something different, no longer commuting to an office in the City, but with his own hands and spirit, opening up new frontiers for him in a totally new scenario, in a small village in the West of France.

Michael Wright leads us through all stages of his transformation, from the longed-for re-location of his piano and airplane, the painfully slow renovation of his house, from his acquisition of Martha, Mildred, Mary (his hens) to the Breton sheep, all which he transported with the aid of a friend, in his car, to his little though rather primitive haven of La Folie.

Michael introduces us to his local friends, and the acceptance of him after the standard six months, is proven by them even accepting a meal à l'anglaise - a great mark of respect by the Gallic gastronomes.

He relates the occasional tragedies, when one of his young sheep passes away after illness, when Silent Mary the hen, also leaves away. But also more hilarious events such as with his macho cockerels, or his cross-country race to catch Gaston, the little Breton ram who wants to make amorous advances to much too large white and woolly sheep.

And when we finally leave Michael surrounded by his power tools, his cat on his knees, regarding his sheep and the beautiful region of France he has chosen, our initial sadness turns to joy, when we hear that we will meet him again - in his next book.

The book is structured in numerous short stories, told more or less chronologically, each a gem in itself, but they cross-link to the whole picture of his experiences in this beautiful country.
This is a must read for all of us who in our humdrum lives, dream of something else.

Superb - Peter Mayle for grown ups.
Whilst there are endless books about moving to France this one is truly moving dealing with the joys, pitfalls & sheer courage of one mans attempt to find a more fulfilling way of life. If you are seriously thinking of living in France this book will fill you with both apprehension & an immediate desire to follow in Michael Wrights footsteps. Michael went looking for his hero & I found mine.

First, a disclaimer: I haven't seen the book version of Michael Wright's dispatches from rural France. But I have been reading his column avidly in the online Expat Telegraph since he decided a couple of years ago to move from England to an out-of-the-way village in the heart of the Limousin. His self-deprecating style and gentle humor drape lightly over a solid framework: his insights into the joys and frustrations of rural existence and the complexities of adjusting to a new way of life in a foreign country are both keenly observed and deftly written. As a fellow pilot I also appreciate his occasional detours to the local airfield, explaining for a general audience the magical allure of messing about in small planes.

Here's how Michael Wright begins his tale: "My plan was a simple one. I wanted to go and live in France with a cat and an aeroplane. My London life had become too comfortable, and I wanted an adventure. I wanted sheep, manly power-tools and the challenge of living entirely alone in a foreign land."

This book is bound to be a delightfully satisfying read for any native English speaker who's ever visited 'La France profonde', as well as for those who have dreamed of chucking their urban existence for a bit of land, an old farmhouse, a few sheep and some neurotic chickens.

If you want a travel book with lots of tips, a great deal of history, and -- most of all -- loads of humor and wit, these are the authors for you. This is third travel book by Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls I have read. Each is a gem -- worth reading cover to cover -- and that is very rare in travel books. I always search them out for my trips -- once to Sicily and another to southern France. Now I am planning to go to Paris this fall, so I was really pleased to find this guide to Paris. The core of the book is walking tours of the city, and each page is packed with opinionated history and unabashed commentary. The French, no doubt, would be shocked, but I love it. I highly recommend any book by these two. The three I have read -- Sicily, Southern France and Paris (2nd ed.) -- are first-rate literature. They are also "guide books" -- and that makes them rare gems, indeed.

We took four guidebooks over to Paris for our trip (my third, her first). It ended up being the only guidebook we used. The city walks made exploring the city a breeze.

Be prepared. This book definitely has a British persepctive, is very opinionated, and has very few pictures. But, it gave a great sense of persepctive and made it much easier to get context when we were there.

Without a doubt, this is a great book to use if you will have the time to explore the city. We have already purchased several more in the line for our honeymoon,

This guide, like others in the Cadogan's range is chock full of information, and not photos. If you are looking for maps (other than a Metro and RER railway map inside the back cover and the walking maps) and colour pictures you are advised to look elsewhere.

After opening chapters looking at `Paris in a Weekend' ,practicalities, history, art and architecture and several short pieces on topics such as dog poo and modernism (well worth reading - very entertaining, but make sure your spectacles prescription is up to date - the print in this section is very small!), the guide really gets into its strength.

The bulk of the book is built around 11 different walks, in 11 different neighbourhoods. All are thoroughly described with an accompanying easy-to-follow black and white map. Each walk has an indication of how long it will take (excluding museum visits), suggestions for restaurants and cafes on the route and comprehensive information on the sites.

This makes the book perfect for a visitor spending an extended time in Paris, who wants to discover the city the best way possible, or for the repeat visitor who has the good fortune to be able to return to Paris time and again.

After the Walks, the museums of Paris are listed and cross-referenced to where they occur in the Walks text. The Louvre and Musee d'Orsay are described at length. A section then follows on peripheral attractions - lying further afield than central Paris. There are listings for restaurants, accommodation and nightlife venues.

The writing in Cadogans tends towards the opinionated, witty, slightly ironic (but not smart-alec) and drily understated British style. It appeals to me in the same way as Rough Guides do.

This is not a book for the first-time short-term visitor intending to see the "Top Five" and then move on. There are plenty of other guides catering to that market, and fulfilling their brief admirably (try Rick Steves, Let's Go, Frommer, Lonely Planet for example). But if you want a book with some substance and detail which will be just as rewarding a read back at your hotel as accompanying you on your on-foot rambles around this beautiful city, then I can't recommend it highly enough.

Opinionated, controversial, occasionally intolerant, sometimes jarringly critical, but always possessing at heart a deep affection for the city, this guide will point your gaze towards places people, places and events that may well be unknown to the majority of born and bred Parisians.

It is deeply learned, but never stuffy, memorably describing the decor of one church and "cold potatoes", the descriptions on the walks ensure that once you arrive at a given site, you are aware of its historical and architectural context.

Previous reviewers have referred to the guided walks in the book, and these are indeed its jewel. It will absolutely make so much more of your time in Paris than you could have believed possible if you make the effort to follow as many of them as you can. They are not arduous treks, they can be leisurely strolls and the book makes sure that you know the very best places to stop an eat (or drink) on the way.

Buy the book, read the history (also humourous, but quite bloody) on the way, use it whilst there, and relive your Parisian peregrinations on the way back by rereading the walks you had a chance to follow.

You will want to go back

The walking tours in this book are incredible. Fun, interesting, perfect directions (even for those of us who are directionally challenged!). The history, art, architecture sections are also well worth reading and opinionated just enough to make them truly interesting and unique. I plan on buying as many other travel books by this couple as I can find.

Fabulous book. If you want to understand the French, this is a great book to read. It is amazing that such a cultural country took so long to come into the 20th century. I recommend this book highly.

As a frequent vacationer in France, some customs -- especially in the countryside -- bewildered me. Ms. Tindall weaves details of country life into an exquisite tapestry (tapisserie) that explains much that was confusing. She moves her readers back in time and gently brings us to the present.

I took this remarkable book by Gillian Tindall on vacation and enjoyed it very much. It is quite an impressive bit of social history scholarship. Tindall has really raked the public records to reconstruct this history. I had a bit of trouble keeping the villagers straight as time passed and new villagers arrived and departed the scene. But that does not matter; I grasped the overall picture. Even Celestine, whose letters first interested the author in the project, becomes but another character and the real subject of the book emerges as the evolution of rural France in the 19th century.

It is really quite a fantastic story, and, of course, I was wholly ignorant of the backward conditions in the Berry region until well into the 19th century. I always thought of France as in the forefront of the industrial revolution, the enlightenment and the political changes in Europe. But I now know that that was pretty well limited to Paris and perhaps a few other urban centers.

The book makes clear that lack of transportation was the chief culprit. People did not have horses and the paths were largely for walking and did not accommodate wagons. And the distances were vast given the conditions. The villages had no stores, no inns, no tradesmen. Goods were mainly consumed by the farmers themselves with only a small surplus available in good years for sale locally. Money was not in use and French was not used until the 3rd Republic pushed schools and roads into these rural areas. Essentially, as the author points out, notwithstanding the revolution and the Napoleonic period, the Berry in 1830 was much like it had been in 1430.

The author also hints at the romantic myth that the French have bestowed on their rural areas. She does not go into detail, but hints that this view results in their inability to lessen subsidies to their farmers or modernize their agriculture. All these Frenchmen, especially those in the middle class, with summer homes in the countryside, are apparently convinced that way back their ancestors were peasant farmers with a deep love of the land. The English and we Americans certainly do not encourage this illusion: that we are the salt of the earth - or at least the descendants thereof. We have our own myths, but our agricultural subsidies are based on the fact that farm states have more representation in the Senate than their population would justify and the strength of the agribusiness lobby. In other words, no romantic notions, just good old greed and political power. This is easier to deal with.

I had in mind to get 'Celestine' for a long time when it presented itself to me on a 'bargain table' at the LA Times Festival of Books... what a treasure! It is a quiet and gentle diversion into another world and time. Beautifully and lovingly written by Gillian Tindall, the book speaks of the timelessness of the human condition, of loyalties and relationships, of loves and passions and hopes and dreams, some realized and some not. Truly, the more things change, the more they stay the same. I highly recommend this book.

Gillian Tindall shows a great deal of erudition in painting with great exactitude the evolution of a French village over almost two centuries, showing how the life of the village and its people were affected by the arrival of the railroads, the changes of political regimes, the influences of the wars. She has been able to capture the spirit of the french peasants of the Berry with a deep understanding and she gives the impression of feeling much affection for them. Her book is warm and " vivant " and wonderful

Good introduction for kids of all ages to viruses, germs, the body's immune system and consequently, the importance of good hygiene.

My 3 1/2 year old son loves this book! I'm forced to read it to him every day, and he now tells me: 1. "Lymphocytes are the smartest cells and make antibodies that knock out the germs...I want to be an antibody!" 2."Macrophages are garbage collectors" 3. "Virus turn my cells into virus machines" 4. "Fibroblasts pull my cut together"

He is still a little confused about the whole "blast" part of the fibroblast...thinking that they should somehow makes something explode...

I read this book for the first time when I was 3 or 4 and adored it. I explained to all of my friends how vaccines worked (because after it knows about the threat your immune system can build an to fight the real virus). It has fun and accessible metaphors.

However, don't assume that this is just a kid's book! I'm now a medical student, and I find this book useful to explain immunology to my classmates and patients. It is full of accurate and detailed information.

I bought this book for my ten year old son. He read it through in one sitting. Actually, he reread it 3 times on the same day. The simple yet interesting text and excellent drawings captured his imagination. It kept him thirsting for more! He wants me to order all of Dr. Balkwill's books which I did. What an excellent way to introduce science to the uninitiated. I hope Dr. Balkwill will continue to write more of the series!

Cell Wars is a great way to introduce science. It is written in a straightforward manner using easy to understand vocabulary. It describes, in a fun manner, the way the human body fights off bacteria and viruses and tells why we get vaccinations. The illustrations are colorful and fun. The pictures and the story make it fun for both young children and grade school students

I am in total agreement with those who have praised this book. It is a model for all scholars and merits a major book award. Avoid any other publication that presents itself as accurate.

The Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Virtuoso of the Sword and the Bow is the biography of Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), the illegitimate son of a French planter and a young African slave. Educated in France, his skill in fencing and amazing talent as a violin virtuoso earned him a distinguished place in French high society and the court of Versailles; yet he was not content to simply bask in court life, choosing to support the abolitionist movement, take part in the Haitian slave revolt, and join the French Revolution in the hope of ending slavery. Considered the first classical composer of African descent, his music is best understood in the context of his vivid life. Black-and-white photographs, illustrations, and sample scores, and reproductions of primary source documents round out this in-depth study of a singularly remarkable musician, politician, and fighter.

One of the problems in researching Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges is separating fact from fiction, due to the popular myths propagated beginning with Roger de Beauvoir, and continuing with Alexandre Dumas (fils). These and other semi-factual accounts of Le Chevalier's life led many to believe that it served as the basis for the character D'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers. In contrast to these myths, surviving well into the twentieth century, Mr. Banat's thoroughly researched study is factual.

Banat, a retired violinist from the New York Philharmonic and a specialist on the violin works of Mozart, is ideally positioned to understand the significance of this historical figure. It turns out that Le Chevalier was a major contributor to the symphony concertante genre, until recently thought to be Mozart's creation. As a musician, Le Chevalier was a violinist and composer, mastering the classical style and creating multiple compositions for orchestra and violin that remain underrepresented in the academic and performance Canon today.

Not only a prominent musician and athlete of his day, Le Chevalier was one of several African descendants who made important contributions to European elite culture. Born in Guadeloupe to a French plantation owner and his enslaved mother, Le Chevalier was educated in France, with substantial periods in England, where he was a champion fencer. In the latter part of his life, Le Chevalier became highly involved in the Haitian Revolution.

Mr. Banat began his study on Le Chevalier with an original article from the 1980s. Twenty years later, Banat's recent book reflects his dedication and enthusiasm toward his subject matter. The extensive documentation he provides for his assertions makes him the authority on Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

The second half of the 18th century from St. Petersburg to St. Louis was a socio-political mess as men and women of faith and courage strove to overthrow the imperial tyrannies oppressing their lives and stultifying their cultures. Supported by his white planter father and adored by his black slave mother, Joseph Bologne, born on Guadeloupe, captivated the Court and Parisian society by his extraordinary fencing ability and musical genius. Nor did it hurt that he was both handsome and intelligent. His violin playing, his original compositions, and his orchestral conducting assure him a place among the handful of outstanding musicians between Bach and Mozart. His military acumen and his political idealism on behalf of the downtrodden not only in France but also in Haiti made him a distinguished brigade commander in the Revolutionary army and led him, at the pain of a long imprisonment, to help stop The Terror. At the end of his life, the world he had bedazzled was gone and the world he had hoped to establish was falling to Napoleonic power.
The sad, powerful tale of this romantic hero's life and genius is all movingly here in Banat's scrupulous research and genuine affection--just waiting for an intrepid director and a first-rate actor to make a brilliant film that would really speak to our time.

This book is far more than a biography of the 18th-century fabled composer/violinist/swordsman Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, born in 1745 in Guadaloupe, son of a plantation owner and one of his slaves. Based on rigorous scholarly research, the author presents a vivid picture of the social and historical background of the period in France, and the picaresque life of an extraordinarily gifted individual. The book is informative as well as an exciting read. It is enhanced by numerous illustrations, reproductions of original documents, and musical examples.

I travel to France and especially Paris often and love to have an insiders look at shopping places that visitors often don't know about. I can't wait to get there in October and use my little green book to check out some of the places in it. Love having the email addresses, phone numbers and the many pictures. Thank you Rebecca!

Travel through the best of the insider's Paris in 208 beautifully written and photographed pages. In concise, but through narratives, Ms. Magniant brings the best of Paris to your mind while Allison Harris' photos are each a well composed tableau of the individuals shop's wares. From wall designs to unique notions to toys, antique printed matter, designer clothers, jewelery, perfumes, all manner of foodstuffs, and other off-the-beaten-track treasures- if you can't find something of great interest to you, don't see Paris-see your doctor!

The perfect book for exploring Paris via shopping! The book is divided by neighborhoods for easy reference. The descriptions are extremely helpful and the photographs could be postcards of Paris themselves. The small size of the book will fit into your purse for easy access. I read this on the subway before I went shopping and couldn't wait to start shopping.

I just purchased a copy of "Chic Shopping Paris." It's a delightful guidebook. The information is absolutely essential if you plan to visit Paris, and, of course shop. If you don't plan to visit Paris, you can still injoy the beautiful color photos and dream!

The best addresses and tips are in this little gem of a book. Things the average tourist or even seasoned shopper would be hard pressed to find on their own. I'm almost sad that "the secrets are out" !! I highly recommend this book before your trip to Paris and for a fun read in general.
Stephanie
PS I live in Paris and consider myself a 'shopaholic' and loved discovering some new addresses in this book.

In 1959 my English teacher handed this book to me and said read and review this for the class. I did and was forever moved. I have told my children and grandchildren about this book but could never find it for them to read in the author's own moving words. It personalizes an event beyond understanding and makes history readable. I recommend this book as simply good reading and educational.

I read this book in high school as required reading back in the 70's. It is a moving, sad, reflective account of the author's experiences in a concentration camp during the terrifying rule of the Nazi's. This is one of the best books I have ever read and I have never forgotten it.

I read this book several years ago as a young girl and I have never forgotten it. Tanguy is a young boy torn from his home to live in the concentration camps during WWII. A very powerful story, I have reread it several times, and I believe it ranks right up with The Diary of Anne Frank. I promise you will never forget this story and the courage this young man exhibited in order to survive during one of the bleakest and cruel periods of history. Originally I read this as a library book and I have spent several years trying to track down a copy, only to find one and then somehow lose it. I am thankful that this service exists on Amazon.com so that I may replace my copy as it is a book I will reach for again and again, and I highly recommend it
to others.

Child of Our Time is a gripping, powerful account of a child's experiences during World War II. We are with the main character Tanguy as he struggles to come to grips with a world in which he has never had control. The boy's wants in life are simple--a friend and a dog. And it is these simple things that are always being taken away from him. Despite that, he continues to persevere. Michel del Castillo illustrates the horror of war and the concentration camps in a touching, simply expressed, and emotional story.

A griping novel about the misfortunes of a young boy sent to a WWII concentration camp. His survival is aided by a compassionate concert pianist.

Are you a great poem and fairytale reader, because if you are then this is the book for you? Cinderlily is by David Ellwand and Christine Tagg.

This book is a fairytale and poem book because it has a fairytale part and a poem part.
The main idea of this story is about a girl flower that has two mean stepsisters. They like her because she has to clean up everything but doesn't. They have beautiful cloths and she has holes in her rags. One day an invitation came in. It said "Ladies should come to the castle to dance with the prince because he wanted to get married." To find out what will happen you will have to read it.

The drawings were very interesting because the illustrator put flowers instead of people.

I recommend this to people who like poems and fairy tales. You will adore it! Read it!

This is absolutely an enchantingly, unique version of the Cinderella tale. Ellwand has done a beautiful job creating characters from beauiful flowers and leaves. It is truly whimsical. This and Fairie-ality are must haves!

David Ellwand has produced another wonderful book 'Cinderlily' as only he can. His stunning exhibition at the worlds largest and greatest store Harrod's, London, England, May 2004, shows both Cinderlily and Fairie-ality in stunning limited edition prints. Quite breathtaking in their beauty. David Ellwand is a truly great designer and photographer. May he go on to give us a chance to see more of his wonderful work.

So original (though reminiscent of Saxton Freyman's vegetables), and beautifully presented. With creative use of the computer and knowledge of ballet and gymnastics moves, the team has put together a fresh re-telling of the Cinderella story using various flowers to represent the characters and some of the settings. It's a play in rhyme with each page being a visual and aural delight! It probably would be most appreciated by someone (of any age)who has had at least some ballet, and/or
loves flowers.

Just when you thought the Cinderella tale has been told in every way you thought possible, David Ellwand creates this beautiful photo collection using flowers as his actors. As stated in the previous review, his positioning and posing of the flowers shows a genuine knowledge of how gymnasts or ballet dancers move and keeps you engrossed in the story if only to see what ingenuity the next page will bring. Tagg's retelling is very creative as well with clever rhyming and a fresh perspective of the classic story. In addition, the typeset of the text is well done changing fonts at the right times for emphasis and not just for novelty. Altogether a great book for kids of all ages, artists, gardeners, fans of fairy-dom, photographers, dancers...

I found this book by accident and after reading it I am very glad I found it.This book is a great way for anyone wanting to start a spiritual path but are not sure how to go about it. You don't have to be Wiccan to use this book as not all Pagans are Wiccan. It gives you a brief history of the God/dess of the month,practices and prayers to do etc.A different approach to a Pagan way of life.

I absolutely love this book. I often buy Wiccan books that reveal details about the months of the year, solar and lunar celebrations, traditions, rites and rituals, prayers, etc. This lovely book takes us to Classical times and reveals myths, celebrations, and related events of each month. It's wonderful. You can really see how so many of later Wiccan beliefs and even Christian beliefs came out of Classical Rome. If you are a Wiccan, a lover of Classical times, or even a Medieval lover, you will really enjoy Dr. Bernstein's hard work. A great edition to any collection of myths, gods, goddesses, celebrations, and rituals. Lots of nice details.

Classical Living has opened a part of Roman life that is not portrayed in history books. The calendar, festival and life cycle events make ancient Rome real and connected to living today. After reading the book, I now see how many of our contemporary holidays and celebrations have their roots in Rome. While the recipes did not always sound exactly like what Roman's prepared, I certainly can see that the were appropriate and representative of the spirit of Rome.

It takes you on a journey back in time thousand of years ago to a place hauntingly strange yet familiar and you may find that you want to stay there or at least bring a little of it back with you. This is a beautifully written book encompassing the very essense of pagan Roman Religion and the Via Romana (Roman way). It depicts the ancient Roman culture as inclusive, diverse and deeply rooted in religion, tradition and duty. The thorough and reader friendly format revolves around the calendar, the foundation of Roman Religion, and offers up a guide to monthly observances that honor the ancient rituals and beliefs in a modern context. Highly recommended and used by the Temple as a great introduction to the Religio Romana.

What a wonderful book to discover! I read it in one sitting and longed for a "Classical Living 2000 Calendar" to go with it, not to mention a cookbook, tour of Italy, likeminded group to share it with. Bernstein generously shares her knowledge in a sumptuous read that has inspired me on a fresh spiritual quest.

You get immersed right away into Nemirovskys' world. Right away with "The Ball" you get the discomfort rapport the mother and daughter have. "The Ball" is an absolute terrible tale and well rendered. Opening sentences are crucial, with "David Golder" you want to know what happens to this fellow, he is firm and refuses yet has remorse and is weak at the same time he manipulates and is manipulated. Once you let go the story about the author, we all know Irenes' terrible fate how she perished in the concentration camps, you are able to isolate and focus on her ability to write, she was not just an author, yes she published, she was a writer with a capital W. Words seem to land perfectly. A few sentences are absolutely beautiful. I stop and read again, several times over and over the same sentence to decorticate and learn to read again. How she describes lovers in bed, the intertwined legs and bodies, their shadow shown on the ceiling reveals the image of a bouquet of flowers. There is more, four short stories in this volume, but much more in her complete oeuvre, I urge any curious and avid prose lover to read and discover Irène Némirovsky.

While not as consistently good as "Suite Francais," this volume has as its best selections David Golder and The Courilof Affair. "Golder" is intriguing in that it was used by her husband in an attempt to free her from the concentration camp. An unflattering portrait of its title character, it begins with a scene that reminded me of the opening of "Citizen Cane." The closing story will please those fond of Kafka. It is rife with issues of ethics and government. The Everyman edition is also a very handsome volume.

I have almost finished this book and so far it is quite a compelling, interesting,with unusually fresh and insightful glimpses into many psychological facets of the characters portrayed. Her insight and portrayal of their psyche's is one that will be forever memorable to me. I particularly liked The Ball. I can readily see a teenage girl feeling and wanting to act the way that Antoinette did to avenge her mother's cruel treatment of her. The Snow In Autumn evokes feelings of sad longing for home and the past for a refugee.All in all, a remarkable and unforgettable book.

There are many reasons for loving a book ... of course content, the manner in which the author has painted a picture for the reader, a love for the time period in which a story is set, perhaps a specific character - heaven knows - I have fallen in love with a protagonist in my younger days. With this book, aside from all the talent that the words spread on the pages, I love the book.

The paper is heavy weight - not glossy - not harsh. The ribbon bookmark reminds me of days when books were made this way ... I enjoyed reading this book because of the quality of the construction .... now on to the inside.

Nemirovsky has a way of developing the ghosts of one's past. Regardless of how well her characters do in life there seem to be parts of their beginnings that they cannot shed ... a genetic tattoo, a social ingraining that continues to come through regardless of how they change over the years.

I felt the pain of David Golder; I wanted to throw Mrs. Kampf to the dogs and delighted in the vision of little pieces of paper floating down the river; I could feel the heat of the wood burning stove and the cold of the chilling Russian wind in Snow in Autumn. Brilliantly written in simple language, if you are looking for paperback literature - this is NOT the book to read.

I am hypnotized by Nemirovsky's work and hope that you are too!

Némirovsky was a convert to Catholicism who died in Auschwitz. The Nazis managed to cause the deaths of many Judaic converts (Edith Stein was another). The Nazi movement seemed to be serving a hidden god; many would be shocked to learn the identity of that false god. It's a death penalty offense in Orthodox Judaism to convert to Christianity. Did Hitler's movement serve the agenda of the Orthodox rabbis? You don't be believe it? Read the statements of Ovadia Yosef and other Israeli rabbonim on Hitler as their "divine instrument of punishment." Némirovsky's writing was of a high order. "David Golder" displays tremendous psychological insight. May her memory be honored.