Questions About Paris Nocturne

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Answered Questions (2)

Seraphima Bogomolova It is the story of a young man who gets hit by a car driven by a woman. He ends up in hospital with minor injuries and catches there a glimpse of the …moreIt is the story of a young man who gets hit by a car driven by a woman. He ends up in hospital with minor injuries and catches there a glimpse of the same woman who was at the wheel of the car that hit him. She was making sure he is fine. Fascinated by the mysterious woman he walks streets of Paris trying to find her which he eventually does. In a way, you can say that he finds his soul mate. While he is looking for the woman he recalls different events from his childhood some of which are linked to his present life and the woman too. For example, he remembers some woman from his childhood that resembles in looks the woman who was in the car that hit him. It is fascinating to see how reality, memories, and fantasy intertwines in a person's mind. I can also say it is a story of a subjective perception of the world that only that person can see. We might like it or not but this is his version fo the events and the world. (less)

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Is it a mystery? A Novel for sure. Is it part recollection of childhood episodes? What does his father represent? I found the switching from meory to the present somewhat disturbing

Seraphima Bogomolova It's a novel with mystery elements that are weaved into the memories and recollections that intertwine with the present. I think it is an unusual nove…moreIt's a novel with mystery elements that are weaved into the memories and recollections that intertwine with the present. I think it is an unusual novel and requires attention to details mentioned in the story in order to follow it. The story also has many symbols in it. I did not find the switching between memory and the present disturbing. I found it it intriguing trying to piece a picture of the world of the narrator. Patrick Modiano is an author who is fascinated with pieces of information and memories as well as unlinked elements. (less)

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Unanswered Questions (2)

Does it say something about the memory of Nazism?

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The flap on the cover of the copy I read includes these words: "Modiano's low-key writing style, his preoccupation with memory and its untrustworthiness, and his deep concern with timeless moral questions have earned him an international audience of devoted readers." My question is, what are the "timeless moral questions" you perceive Modiano as dealing with in Paris Nocturne?

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