I appreciated the quiet unassuming manner in which Capus presented this story of ill-fated love set against the background of World War I and World War II. The story is terribly believable and remains rather haunting. Although I never fully grasped why Louise was so attracted to Leon, a very ordinary fellow, I was captivated by her first appearance in the book, at Leon's funeral. This sad tale is dotted with humor and humanity particularly when Leon finds ways to defy the Nazi occupiers or when he helps out the corner beggar. Even the surprises in the story ring true and make you smile wryly. I bought it because it was a Der Spiegel Bestseller and that seems to at last mean that it is not bad. And, as usual I got to like it pretty early on and looked forward each day to finding out more about the characters and what would happen to them. I hate spoilers myself and won't give any, just to set the scene a little. The action takes place mostly before World War II and during the Nazi occupation of France.
..ein herrliches Buch, das nicht nur Lust auf Frankreich macht...:-)
—6622136565
A love story that spans decades, with lots of French atmosphere.
—Dessy
pretty good -- nice for period detail.
—branski
Asi to není pro mě to pravé...
—Gaythas
