What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspector Maigret #42
Maigret is Afraid
'His artistry is supreme' John Banville
'This was natural. It is the same everywhere. Rarely, however, had Maigret had such a strong sense of a clique. In a small town like this, of course there are the worthies, who are few and who inevitably meet each other several times a day, even if it is only in the street.
Then there are the others, like those who stood huddled on the sidelines looking disgruntled.'
Maigret's impromptu visit to an old college friend draws him into a murky investigation in a small provincial town ruled by snobbery, fear and intimidation.
'One of the greatest writers of the twentieth century . . . Simenon was unequalled at making us look inside, though the ability was masked by his brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories' Guardian
'This was natural. It is the same everywhere. Rarely, however, had Maigret had such a strong sense of a clique. In a small town like this, of course there are the worthies, who are few and who inevitably meet each other several times a day, even if it is only in the street.
Then there are the others, like those who stood huddled on the sidelines looking disgruntled.'
Maigret's impromptu visit to an old college friend draws him into a murky investigation in a small provincial town ruled by snobbery, fear and intimidation.
'One of the greatest writers of the twentieth century . . . Simenon was unequalled at making us look inside, though the ability was masked by his brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories' Guardian
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1953
92 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Georges Simenon
2,693 books2,251 followersGeorges Joseph Christian Simenon (1903 – 1989) was a Belgian writer. A prolific author who published nearly 500 novels and numerous short works, Simenon is best known as the creator of the fictional detective Jules Maigret.
Although he never resided in Belgium after 1922, he remained a Belgian citizen throughout his life.
Simenon was one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century, capable of writing 60 to 80 pages per day. His oeuvre includes nearly 200 novels, over 150 novellas, several autobiographical works, numerous articles, and scores of pulp novels written under more than two dozen pseudonyms. Altogether, about 550 million copies of his works have been printed.
He is best known, however, for his 75 novels and 28 short stories featuring Commissaire Maigret. The first novel in the series, Pietr-le-Letton, appeared in 1931; the last one, Maigret et M. Charles, was published in 1972. The Maigret novels were translated into all major languages and several of them were turned into films and radio plays. Two television series (1960-63 and 1992-93) have been made in Great Britain.
During his "American" period, Simenon reached the height of his creative powers, and several novels of those years were inspired by the context in which they were written (Trois chambres à Manhattan (1946), Maigret à New York (1947), Maigret se fâche (1947)).
Simenon also wrote a large number of "psychological novels", such as La neige était sale (1948) or Le fils (1957), as well as several autobiographical works, in particular Je me souviens (1945), Pedigree (1948), Mémoires intimes (1981).
In 1966, Simenon was given the MWA's highest honor, the Grand Master Award.
In 2005 he was nominated for the title of De Grootste Belg (The Greatest Belgian). In the Flemish version he ended 77th place. In the Walloon version he ended 10th place.
Although he never resided in Belgium after 1922, he remained a Belgian citizen throughout his life.
Simenon was one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century, capable of writing 60 to 80 pages per day. His oeuvre includes nearly 200 novels, over 150 novellas, several autobiographical works, numerous articles, and scores of pulp novels written under more than two dozen pseudonyms. Altogether, about 550 million copies of his works have been printed.
He is best known, however, for his 75 novels and 28 short stories featuring Commissaire Maigret. The first novel in the series, Pietr-le-Letton, appeared in 1931; the last one, Maigret et M. Charles, was published in 1972. The Maigret novels were translated into all major languages and several of them were turned into films and radio plays. Two television series (1960-63 and 1992-93) have been made in Great Britain.
During his "American" period, Simenon reached the height of his creative powers, and several novels of those years were inspired by the context in which they were written (Trois chambres à Manhattan (1946), Maigret à New York (1947), Maigret se fâche (1947)).
Simenon also wrote a large number of "psychological novels", such as La neige était sale (1948) or Le fils (1957), as well as several autobiographical works, in particular Je me souviens (1945), Pedigree (1948), Mémoires intimes (1981).
In 1966, Simenon was given the MWA's highest honor, the Grand Master Award.
In 2005 he was nominated for the title of De Grootste Belg (The Greatest Belgian). In the Flemish version he ended 77th place. In the Walloon version he ended 10th place.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 11, 2023
Nadat hij een conferentie bijgewoond heeft in Bordeaux, wil Maigret een paar dagen bij een oude vriend doorbrengen in Fontenay-le-Comte, voordat hij terugkeert naar Parijs.
In het dorpje is net een moord gepleegd, en zijn vriend, die rechter is, zit er nogal mee verveeld. Het is iemand van de betere stand die vermoord is, en wiens familie overhoop ligt met de overburen.
Eerst besluit Maigret zich buiten de zaak te houden, maar binnen de week gebeuren er nog twee moorden, een op een oude vroedvrouw, en het andere slachtoffer is een dronkaard.
De bevolking is nu erg bang en onrustig, en hoewel de moorden op dezelfde manier gebeurd zijn, kan er geen link gelegd worden tussen de slachtoffers.
Maigret is dan toch aanwezig bij enkele verhoren en gaat ook nog verder op onderzoek uit. Uiteindelijk, maar niet voordat er nog een dode gevallen is--door zelfmoord ditmaal-- weet hij toch het raadsel op te lossen.
Intrigerend verhaal, en ik vond dat de auteur zeer goed de sfeer in het stadje wist te beschrijven.
In het dorpje is net een moord gepleegd, en zijn vriend, die rechter is, zit er nogal mee verveeld. Het is iemand van de betere stand die vermoord is, en wiens familie overhoop ligt met de overburen.
Eerst besluit Maigret zich buiten de zaak te houden, maar binnen de week gebeuren er nog twee moorden, een op een oude vroedvrouw, en het andere slachtoffer is een dronkaard.
De bevolking is nu erg bang en onrustig, en hoewel de moorden op dezelfde manier gebeurd zijn, kan er geen link gelegd worden tussen de slachtoffers.
Maigret is dan toch aanwezig bij enkele verhoren en gaat ook nog verder op onderzoek uit. Uiteindelijk, maar niet voordat er nog een dode gevallen is--door zelfmoord ditmaal-- weet hij toch het raadsel op te lossen.
Intrigerend verhaal, en ik vond dat de auteur zeer goed de sfeer in het stadje wist te beschrijven.
March 9, 2018
non riesco a dare meno di quattro stelle a Maigret.
però fino ad un certo punto del libro ero pronta a darne cinque, poi ho dovuto ridimensionare il giudizio per via di un finale un po' tirato via.
resta, comunque, una gran bella lettura.
però fino ad un certo punto del libro ero pronta a darne cinque, poi ho dovuto ridimensionare il giudizio per via di un finale un po' tirato via.
resta, comunque, una gran bella lettura.
January 31, 2016
Επιστολή του Andre Gide (1938):
"Γράφοντας, υπακούετε σ' ένα ένστικτο από τα πιο ασφαλή και τα καλύτερα σπουδαγμένα, ακρίβεια των περιγραφών, του τόνου των διαλόγων, των παραμικρότερων λεπτομερειών και ποτέ περιττή επιμονή σε κάτι - το παραλείπετε: τόσο χειρότερο για τους αναγνώστες σας αν δεν έχουν καταλάβει".
Το γεγονός ότι η σειρά με τον επιθεωρητή Μαιγκρέ αποτελείται από τουλάχιστον 70 βιβλία, είναι από μόνο του εντυπωσιακό. Δεν είμαι λάτρης των αστυνομικών, με τον Μαιγκρέ πέρασε όμως πολύ ευχάριστα η ώρα μου. Είναι ένας λαϊκός τύπος, απλός και όχι η διάνοια που λύνει τα πιο περίπλοκα μυστήρια. Στο τέλος αφήνει τον αναγνώστη να υποθέσει το τέλος, όμως δεν έχει και πολύ σημασία με τον τρόπο γραφής του σε όλο το βιβλίο. Είναι ένας επιθεωρητής που ζει την ιστορία μαζί με τους εμπλεκόμενους στην υπόθεση, χωρίς να είναι αυστηρός απέναντί τους. Επίσης, επικεντρώνεται πιο πολύ στους χαρακτήρες.
Βλέπω ότι έχει αρκετούς θαυμαστές ο Σιμενόν, νομίζω μόλις απέκτησε έναν ακόμα.
"Γράφοντας, υπακούετε σ' ένα ένστικτο από τα πιο ασφαλή και τα καλύτερα σπουδαγμένα, ακρίβεια των περιγραφών, του τόνου των διαλόγων, των παραμικρότερων λεπτομερειών και ποτέ περιττή επιμονή σε κάτι - το παραλείπετε: τόσο χειρότερο για τους αναγνώστες σας αν δεν έχουν καταλάβει".
Το γεγονός ότι η σειρά με τον επιθεωρητή Μαιγκρέ αποτελείται από τουλάχιστον 70 βιβλία, είναι από μόνο του εντυπωσιακό. Δεν είμαι λάτρης των αστυνομικών, με τον Μαιγκρέ πέρασε όμως πολύ ευχάριστα η ώρα μου. Είναι ένας λαϊκός τύπος, απλός και όχι η διάνοια που λύνει τα πιο περίπλοκα μυστήρια. Στο τέλος αφήνει τον αναγνώστη να υποθέσει το τέλος, όμως δεν έχει και πολύ σημασία με τον τρόπο γραφής του σε όλο το βιβλίο. Είναι ένας επιθεωρητής που ζει την ιστορία μαζί με τους εμπλεκόμενους στην υπόθεση, χωρίς να είναι αυστηρός απέναντί τους. Επίσης, επικεντρώνεται πιο πολύ στους χαρακτήρες.
Βλέπω ότι έχει αρκετούς θαυμαστές ο Σιμενόν, νομίζω μόλις απέκτησε έναν ακόμα.
September 6, 2021
A wonderful tale. Maigret is returning from a police conference and visits a friend Julien Chabot and his mother. Julien is the magistrate of the small town and is embroiled in a investigation of three murders. There us concern a lunatic is loose. The great part of the story has a reluctant Maigret solving the murders to help out his friend.
The class divide is apparent in the town. The townspeople suspect a wealthy family and the son who is a research doctor studying lunacy. I liked how Maigret worked out that it wasn’t a madman and then told the murderer to act like a madman. Which he did but not before the love struck son committed suicide.
Simenon captures the distrustful atmosphere of suspicion in the townspeople and the hypocrisy of the more well to do trying to keep up appearances.
The class divide is apparent in the town. The townspeople suspect a wealthy family and the son who is a research doctor studying lunacy. I liked how Maigret worked out that it wasn’t a madman and then told the murderer to act like a madman. Which he did but not before the love struck son committed suicide.
Simenon captures the distrustful atmosphere of suspicion in the townspeople and the hypocrisy of the more well to do trying to keep up appearances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
I picked this book at random out of the many Maigret books I had not yet read. I now realize I need to better apply myself to close the gap, but this one seemed a very different flavor from the usual. For one thing, he was not in Paris as he had been at a conference and decided to stop off to visit an old friend in Bordeaux before returning home to his wife. Thus the story begins on a train.
The amount of alcohol consumed in this book has left me with a hangover. It was truly record setting. But then, Maigret was stopping to visit a member of the aristocracy in a town where there was a distinct divide between the haves and have nots. There was also immediate media coverage of his every move, since a murder had been committed and the townspeople believed along with the newspaper hacks that Maigret had arrived in Fontenay to solve the murder(s). It was an interesting case study and Maigret delivers the solution to the head of investigation before catching his night train home to Paris.
The amount of alcohol consumed in this book has left me with a hangover. It was truly record setting. But then, Maigret was stopping to visit a member of the aristocracy in a town where there was a distinct divide between the haves and have nots. There was also immediate media coverage of his every move, since a murder had been committed and the townspeople believed along with the newspaper hacks that Maigret had arrived in Fontenay to solve the murder(s). It was an interesting case study and Maigret delivers the solution to the head of investigation before catching his night train home to Paris.
February 25, 2024
“Maigret capì ed ebbe improvvisamente paura. Sentì una sensazione sgradevole alla bocca dello stomaco e il gusto della sua pipa divenne cattivo.”
Il nostro Maigret, di ritorno da un noioso convegno a Bordeaux, decide di fermarsi in Vandea, nella località di Fontenay, a salutare un vecchio amico di gioventù che non vede da trent’anni, Julien Chabod, ora magistrato.
Trova immutata l’asfittica atmosfera di paese, come immutata è la separazione tra popolino e alta società, una sorta di aristocrazia del denaro, incarnata in questo caso dalla famiglia Vernoux. Si tratta di allevatori che si sono arricchiti con il commercio, hanno poi acquisito il lustro del blasone nobiliare grazie a matrimoni di convenienza e sono diventati infine dei piccoli potenti locali.
Ora vivono isolati -ormai anche in declino economico- nel loro lussuoso palazzo, odiati dalla gente comune per il loro status di privilegiati, a cui si aggiunge l’avversione per i rapporti intrattenuti con lo stesso giudice Chabod che perciò vive con disagio il suo ruolo di imparziale tutore della legge.
L’arrivo del celebre commissario cade proprio a fagiolo perché la cittadina è appena stata sconvolta da un triplice omicidio: il primo ha colpito un nobilotto imparentato con la famiglia Vernoux, ma gli altri due sembrano non avere alcuna relazione con questo cadavere eccellente.
La matassa si ingarbuglia quando l’attenzione si focalizza su Alain Vernoux, giovane e infelice medico specializzato in psichiatria che tenta di dare agli efferati delitti una spiegazione logica, azzardando ipotesi su quel che sembra essere il comportamento assurdo di un pazzo. Ma proprio per questo lui stesso viene inserito nel novero dei sospetti.
Invano Maigret cerca di non farsi coinvolgere. Come al solito il mistero costituisce per il commissario una irresistibile tentazione e un invito a dispiegare tutte le sue qualità investigative verso lo scioglimento del garbuglio.
E tuttavia anche lui sarà investito dalle ondate destabilizzanti delle opposte passioni che circolano pericolosamente tra i protagonisti di questo dramma.
Il nostro Maigret, di ritorno da un noioso convegno a Bordeaux, decide di fermarsi in Vandea, nella località di Fontenay, a salutare un vecchio amico di gioventù che non vede da trent’anni, Julien Chabod, ora magistrato.
Trova immutata l’asfittica atmosfera di paese, come immutata è la separazione tra popolino e alta società, una sorta di aristocrazia del denaro, incarnata in questo caso dalla famiglia Vernoux. Si tratta di allevatori che si sono arricchiti con il commercio, hanno poi acquisito il lustro del blasone nobiliare grazie a matrimoni di convenienza e sono diventati infine dei piccoli potenti locali.
Ora vivono isolati -ormai anche in declino economico- nel loro lussuoso palazzo, odiati dalla gente comune per il loro status di privilegiati, a cui si aggiunge l’avversione per i rapporti intrattenuti con lo stesso giudice Chabod che perciò vive con disagio il suo ruolo di imparziale tutore della legge.
L’arrivo del celebre commissario cade proprio a fagiolo perché la cittadina è appena stata sconvolta da un triplice omicidio: il primo ha colpito un nobilotto imparentato con la famiglia Vernoux, ma gli altri due sembrano non avere alcuna relazione con questo cadavere eccellente.
La matassa si ingarbuglia quando l’attenzione si focalizza su Alain Vernoux, giovane e infelice medico specializzato in psichiatria che tenta di dare agli efferati delitti una spiegazione logica, azzardando ipotesi su quel che sembra essere il comportamento assurdo di un pazzo. Ma proprio per questo lui stesso viene inserito nel novero dei sospetti.
Invano Maigret cerca di non farsi coinvolgere. Come al solito il mistero costituisce per il commissario una irresistibile tentazione e un invito a dispiegare tutte le sue qualità investigative verso lo scioglimento del garbuglio.
E tuttavia anche lui sarà investito dalle ondate destabilizzanti delle opposte passioni che circolano pericolosamente tra i protagonisti di questo dramma.
April 11, 2017
Another train journey. Maigret has been away attending a police conference; the weather wasn't great and on his way home to Paris it is tipping down with Biblical rain. He has decided to call in on his old friend who he has known since their student days.
Unfortunately he misses his connection, the express service Fontenay-le-Comte, so he arrives some hours later on a local train that stops at every station and halt along the track.
Towards the end of the journey from Niort, he shares his carriage with an old aristocrat Vernoux de Courcon. This gentleman asks Maigret if he has come to solve the biggest crime that has ever happened in Fontenay. He tries to say it is just a coincidence but as soon as he arrives he is recognised and almost compelled to get involved.
There is the sense of a small community, a divided one between the few landed rich and the labouring majority we would term the working class. Maigret's friend, Julien Chabot is the investagating of this rural community. So this places their relationship under stress.
Away from his own jurisdiction and numerous willing police officers and detectives to call upon and do his bidding, Maigret offers little direction or comment on the investigation.
We see his own measured approach of observation, knowledge of different people and the class system and ability to get people to open up to him and garner relevent information.
It is a clever story; showing a less forthright and confident Maigret, worried for his friend who he fears has aged and lost ambition still living with and pleasing his Mother.
When he reports back to Madame Maigret she is able to pinpoint the difference between the two old friends. 'He should have married.'
Unfortunately he misses his connection, the express service Fontenay-le-Comte, so he arrives some hours later on a local train that stops at every station and halt along the track.
Towards the end of the journey from Niort, he shares his carriage with an old aristocrat Vernoux de Courcon. This gentleman asks Maigret if he has come to solve the biggest crime that has ever happened in Fontenay. He tries to say it is just a coincidence but as soon as he arrives he is recognised and almost compelled to get involved.
There is the sense of a small community, a divided one between the few landed rich and the labouring majority we would term the working class. Maigret's friend, Julien Chabot is the investagating of this rural community. So this places their relationship under stress.
Away from his own jurisdiction and numerous willing police officers and detectives to call upon and do his bidding, Maigret offers little direction or comment on the investigation.
We see his own measured approach of observation, knowledge of different people and the class system and ability to get people to open up to him and garner relevent information.
It is a clever story; showing a less forthright and confident Maigret, worried for his friend who he fears has aged and lost ambition still living with and pleasing his Mother.
When he reports back to Madame Maigret she is able to pinpoint the difference between the two old friends. 'He should have married.'
October 27, 2021
Από τις καλύτερες περιπέτειες του επιθεωρητή Μαιγκρέ. Το σκηνικό είναι - για μια ακόμα φορά - η γαλλική επαρχία, μόνο που τώρα ο Simenon στρέφει τον φακό του στις ταξικές/κοινωνικές συγκρούσεις που ταράζουν υπόγεια τη στασιμότητα της υπαίθρου.
Μια σειρά από ανέμπνευστες δολοφονίες επιτρέπουν στο Simenon να ανατέμψει τις εύθραυστες ισορροπίες στην κωμόπολη Φοντεναί: η επαρχιώτικη αριστοκρατία είναι παροπλισμένη και "ημίαιμη", ο κοντόθωρος συντηρηρτισμός των μικροαστών συναδέλφων του επιθεωρητή φαντάζει κωμικός, ενω η περιρέουσα οργή των χωρικών δηλώνει μια αφύπνιση που αποκτά ενίοτε μέχρι και πολιτική άρθρωση. Η κοινωνική βία, χωρίς ποτέ να ξεσπάει, είναι πανταχού παρούσα σαν απειλή και με τον τρόπο της σπρώχνει τα γεγονότα.
Η έκδοση συνοδεύεται από δύο ενδιαφέροντα επίμετρα που σκαλίζουν την επιφάνεια μόνο της κοινωνικής και ηθογραφικής παρατηρητικότητας του Simenon.
Μια σειρά από ανέμπνευστες δολοφονίες επιτρέπουν στο Simenon να ανατέμψει τις εύθραυστες ισορροπίες στην κωμόπολη Φοντεναί: η επαρχιώτικη αριστοκρατία είναι παροπλισμένη και "ημίαιμη", ο κοντόθωρος συντηρηρτισμός των μικροαστών συναδέλφων του επιθεωρητή φαντάζει κωμικός, ενω η περιρέουσα οργή των χωρικών δηλώνει μια αφύπνιση που αποκτά ενίοτε μέχρι και πολιτική άρθρωση. Η κοινωνική βία, χωρίς ποτέ να ξεσπάει, είναι πανταχού παρούσα σαν απειλή και με τον τρόπο της σπρώχνει τα γεγονότα.
Η έκδοση συνοδεύεται από δύο ενδιαφέροντα επίμετρα που σκαλίζουν την επιφάνεια μόνο της κοινωνικής και ηθογραφικής παρατηρητικότητας του Simenon.
August 23, 2023
Sungur Yayınlarının bastığı iki Georges Simenon’un, Komiser Maigret romanından ikincisi.
Tüm unsurları ile bir detektiflik romanı. Atmosferi ve karakterleri etkileyici.
Çok güzel bir çeviri ve çok özenli bir baskı.
Keyifli bir okuma sağlayan metin, güzel bir Türkçe’ye sahip olmanın yanısıra, akıcı, sade, anlaşılır ve kolay takip edilebilir özellikte. Şimdiye kadar okuduğum Simenon eserleri arasında, sanırım bu özelliklere sahip sayılı çalışma var.
Çok beğendim.
Tüm unsurları ile bir detektiflik romanı. Atmosferi ve karakterleri etkileyici.
Çok güzel bir çeviri ve çok özenli bir baskı.
Keyifli bir okuma sağlayan metin, güzel bir Türkçe’ye sahip olmanın yanısıra, akıcı, sade, anlaşılır ve kolay takip edilebilir özellikte. Şimdiye kadar okuduğum Simenon eserleri arasında, sanırım bu özelliklere sahip sayılı çalışma var.
Çok beğendim.
July 28, 2020
Non sempre è una buona idea, durante un viaggio, fare una deviazione per poter andare a trovare un amico che non si vedeva da anni.
C’è il rischio di rimanere invischiati in faccende da cui sarebbe preferibile rimanere lontani.
Ed è così che Maigret, suo malgrado, si trova coinvolto in una serie di omicidi in apparenza commessi da un pazzo, circondato dagli abitanti di una cittadina, molti dei quali piuttosto spocchiosi (i notabili), altri invece, seppure umili e modesti, un tantino bellicosi (il volgo), ma tutti - proprio tutti - desiderosi di aiuto.
L’atmosfera della città restava inquietante. La gente sbrigava le faccende di sempre, ma nello sguardo dei passanti si coglieva una certa angoscia: sembrava che camminassero più in fretta, come per paura di veder spuntare di colpo l’assassino. [...] Tutti lo seguivano con lo sguardo e a lui sembrava di leggere sui visi una domanda silenziosa. Avrebbe fatto qualcosa? O lo sconosciuto avrebbe potuto continuare a uccidere impunemente?
Ho riscontrato molti tratti in comune con l’altro romanzo appena letto, L’ombra cinese: il circolo dei parenti, il comportamento delle donne della famiglia, un’amante segreta, la ricchezza che con il tempo di sgretola, quelli che vivono sulle spalle degli altri... e altro ancora. Storia di vite solitarie, di denaro e di arrivismo; storia triste, ammantata da un velo di pazzia, vera o meno che sia.
Nonostante ciò, anche questo racconto mi è piaciuto; come sempre Simenon ha dato voce alle debolezze umane, sebbene il suo Maigret sia stato costretto a rimanere leggermente defilato.
⛓ RC 2020 - Catena luglio (5)
✍️ G.S./Maigret
C’è il rischio di rimanere invischiati in faccende da cui sarebbe preferibile rimanere lontani.
Ed è così che Maigret, suo malgrado, si trova coinvolto in una serie di omicidi in apparenza commessi da un pazzo, circondato dagli abitanti di una cittadina, molti dei quali piuttosto spocchiosi (i notabili), altri invece, seppure umili e modesti, un tantino bellicosi (il volgo), ma tutti - proprio tutti - desiderosi di aiuto.
L’atmosfera della città restava inquietante. La gente sbrigava le faccende di sempre, ma nello sguardo dei passanti si coglieva una certa angoscia: sembrava che camminassero più in fretta, come per paura di veder spuntare di colpo l’assassino. [...] Tutti lo seguivano con lo sguardo e a lui sembrava di leggere sui visi una domanda silenziosa. Avrebbe fatto qualcosa? O lo sconosciuto avrebbe potuto continuare a uccidere impunemente?
Ho riscontrato molti tratti in comune con l’altro romanzo appena letto, L’ombra cinese: il circolo dei parenti, il comportamento delle donne della famiglia, un’amante segreta, la ricchezza che con il tempo di sgretola, quelli che vivono sulle spalle degli altri... e altro ancora. Storia di vite solitarie, di denaro e di arrivismo; storia triste, ammantata da un velo di pazzia, vera o meno che sia.
Nonostante ciò, anche questo racconto mi è piaciuto; come sempre Simenon ha dato voce alle debolezze umane, sebbene il suo Maigret sia stato costretto a rimanere leggermente defilato.
⛓ RC 2020 - Catena luglio (5)
✍️ G.S./Maigret
July 11, 2019
How much do people change as they age? Detective Chief Inspector Maigret is about to find out when he goes to visit an old schoolmate in Fontenay-le-Comte in France’s Loire region. By coincidence, Maigret arrives right after a member of the local elite has been bludgeoned to death. Soon two more people are killed, and Maigret’s old friend, Julien Chabot, now the local magistrate, is perplexed. Maigret doesn’t want to get drawn in, but….
Another wonderful novel by Georges Simenon. Listening to Gareth Armstrong on the Audible edition was icing on the cake.
Another wonderful novel by Georges Simenon. Listening to Gareth Armstrong on the Audible edition was icing on the cake.
March 9, 2020
Another wonderful Maigret. What can I say? They're all winners.
January 16, 2017
اگه بخوام بعد از خوندن کتاب عنوان رو برای روشن تر شدن موضوع کتاب و موضع ژرژ سیمنون کامل تر کنم می گم: مگره "از گرفتاری های بیشتری که اشرافیت رو به زوال بر مردمان بدبخت و بیچاره وارد می کند" می ترسد. از این عنوانی که دادم پیدا است که جنایت در حاشیه است. اما جالب تر اینکه جنایت حتی در جایگاه دوم هم نیست. جایگاه دوم در این رمان بیان دغدغه ها و وضع روانی شخصیت ها است. و البته در آخر جنایاتی هم در این میان چفت و بست داستان است. تصور اولیه ی من از آن "می ترسد" در عنوان، نوعی ترس دزد و پلیسی بود - مثلا کمیسری که در مأموریتش با خطر جدی روبرو می شه. اما چنانکه جملات قبلی روشن می کنه داستان چیز دیگه ایه. مگره تو طول داستان خیلی وارد و حرفه ای و محبوب باقی می مونه و ترسش جنبه ی انسانی و اجتماعی داره
اما به همین دلیل کتاب چندان برای من جذاب نبود چون جنبه ی کارآگاهیش رفته بود در محاق. همین دو ستاره هم به خاطر اون جنبه های روانی و انسانیشه. البته اینم بگم اون چند صفحه ای که توش بریج بازی می کنند هم اعصاب خردکن بود چون من که بلد نیستم کلافه می شدم که نمی فهمم
ترجمه
ذیل مگره و مرد خانه به دوش به از دست رفتن اعتمادم به کاظم اسماعیلی اشاره کردم. این کتاب هم مؤید همون مطالبه. دیگه دارم شک می کنم که ترجمه هایی که از چندلر ازش خوندم هم همینجوری بوده ولی چشم من نیافتاده. اشتباهاتی که دیدم رو اینجا می آرم
نمونه ی اشتباهات ترجمه
January 2, 2021
Ein feiner Maigret-Krimi in Agatha-Christie-Manier. Die Handlung beginnt in einem Zugabteil und entspinnt sich weiter in einer kleinen Ortschaft, die in den vergangenen Tagen von zwei Morden aufgeschreckt wurde. Obwohl Maigret nur einen alten Schulfreund besuchen wollte, wird er bald in die Ermittlung hineingezogen. Dabei erinnerte er mich ein bisschen an Hercule Poirot, wenn auch ohne Eitelkeit und Selbstverliebtheit.
September 10, 2015
Maigret Afraid is an interesting work for fans of the series.
The plot itself is fairly standard. He rolls into town, there have been murders and there are more to come. Maigret takes a back seat and watches everything, from the process of the law to the main suspects and eventually does put all the pieces together in the way we have come to expect.
Included is a fairly heavy dose of class analysis and our detective provides an excellent filter through which to see the world as is always the case. The subtle and the obvious are all pointed out as he wanders between the homes of the rich and poor and the roles of the women are of particular interest.
What I found to be more engaging than the plot was Maigret’s personal reflection. He’s returning from a course where the young pups have made him feel his age. He also happens to be staying with an old university friend who is the town’s Examining Magistrate. By watching his friend, he draws parallels with his own life. We get to see into the distant past and into the very real present of a man who really just wants to go home.
Worth reading for any crime fiction fans, but especially so for admirers of Maigret who like to collect nuggets about his personal life and history.
The plot itself is fairly standard. He rolls into town, there have been murders and there are more to come. Maigret takes a back seat and watches everything, from the process of the law to the main suspects and eventually does put all the pieces together in the way we have come to expect.
Included is a fairly heavy dose of class analysis and our detective provides an excellent filter through which to see the world as is always the case. The subtle and the obvious are all pointed out as he wanders between the homes of the rich and poor and the roles of the women are of particular interest.
What I found to be more engaging than the plot was Maigret’s personal reflection. He’s returning from a course where the young pups have made him feel his age. He also happens to be staying with an old university friend who is the town’s Examining Magistrate. By watching his friend, he draws parallels with his own life. We get to see into the distant past and into the very real present of a man who really just wants to go home.
Worth reading for any crime fiction fans, but especially so for admirers of Maigret who like to collect nuggets about his personal life and history.
Read
January 28, 2019Es hat Spaß gemacht, mal wieder einen relativ altmodischen Kriminalroman zu lesen. Kommissar Maigret mit Hut und Tabakspfeife, dem Alkohol nicht abgeneigt, ein Promi, der selbst im Provinzstädtchen auf der Straße erkannt wird, eine coole Ehefrau hat, die ihm das Leben angenehm gestaltet und dabei noch über Witz verfügt. Aus unterschiedlichen Gründen stellt sich beim Lesen fast eine Art Zeitreisegefühl ein, wahrscheinlich auch erzeugt vom originalen 50er-Jahre-Taschenbuch-Exemplar, das mir so gut gefiel, dass ich extra eine neue Aufnahme für Goodreads erstellte. Es hat ein so angenehmes Format: ein Taschenbuch, aber schmal wie ein Oktavheft, das liegt toll beim Lesen in der Hand. Die Seiten schon etwas vergilbt, und beim Lesen schwarz-weiße französische Filme im Hinterkopf. Ok, ich habe mir ziemlich schnell zusammenkombiniert, wer’s war, aber egal. Ich war sehr angetan davon, wie großartig Simenon Stimmungen erzeugen kann und über welch feinen Witz er verfügt. Vielleicht lese ich demnächst noch mehr Maigrets, die besorge ich mir dann aber auf dem Flohmarkt, denn es müssen genau diese Ausgaben sein!
http://trivialitas.square7.ch/kiwi/ki...
http://trivialitas.square7.ch/kiwi/ki...
December 23, 2012
Classic Maigret and enjoyable read. Simenon writes effortlessly readable crime noels that have the pleasures of being well and economically written - 192 pages, none of the the bloated over-writing of some contemporary writes - and insights into French society, admittedly, in this case of the 1950s. It evokes the pleasures of French cinema of the period.
March 7, 2016
Εμένα ο Σιμενόν μου αρέσει πάντα, ίσως επειδή στα βιβλία του αναγνωρίζω μια ατμφόσφαιρα που έχω ζήσει και μέρη που μου είναι πολύ γνωστά, συνήθειες ενός λαού, τύπους ανθρώπων κλπ. Αυτή η ατμόσφαιρα της γαλλικής επαρχίας όπου όλοι γνωρίζουν όλους και όπου οι προύχοντες διαφέρουν από τον απλό λαό, αυτή η πλήξη μέσα στην εξοχή, αυτό το τίποτα που οδηγεί στο έγκλημα.
March 14, 2021
An interesting, engaging crime fiction novella. Three people are killed within one week in the French village of Fontenay-Le-Comte. All struck with a piece of lead piping to the head. Maigret had arrived by train at the village to see his friend, the local magistrate. Maigret had not been aware of the murders as he had been at a three day conference and had not read the newspapers. The locals suspect the killer is Dr. Vernoux. Dr. Vernoux is married and has a mistress who he regularly hits. Maigret notices she has a number of bruises on her limbs and face. Maigret helps his friend with the investigation.
First published in French in 1953. The 42nd book in the Maigret series.
First published in French in 1953. The 42nd book in the Maigret series.
October 28, 2019
A great read on a rainy day, with less of the actual whodunit but rather more of an exploration of the psyche of this quaint town Maigret, finds himself to be, with its myriad folks, class divides and remonstrating how the memory of things past can be a fickle thing indeed!
My Rating - 3.5/5
My Rating - 3.5/5
November 7, 2017
In the earlier chapters, a fine, light thread of absurd dialogue demonstrates another of Simenon’s skills. You may search for it in vain but not without profit.
August 23, 2017
Another superb 'Maigret' novel, full of atmosphere, brilliant in its terseness and remorseless aspects, precisely evoking the menacing oppressiveness of a small town where a series of seemingly illogical murders takes place. The title is deliberately misleading; one can be afraid not only of other people but of situations and circumstances; one can be afraid for someone else. The timetable of events in this book is magnificently constructed; Maigret solves more than one case before the final page is reached.
November 19, 2018
Loved it. A little book beautifully written. Subtle, sophisticated, enchanting portrait of a character and French society. Little fish are sweet as they say.
April 25, 2023
This was the first book that I read in the 1950's French detective series. It was long and drawn out with a description of French society and class primed with a savvy detective with a subtle wit devoted to his work that consumes lots of alcohol, perhaps, not a good introduction to the series.
February 19, 2024
This one has stuck with me. When Maigret shows care and concern for those trampled by society, who have little recourse to alter their fates, Simenon often delivers a balanced tone of righteous indignation that feels fully justified.
January 14, 2023
Retomo la tradición de comenzar el año con la lectura de una novela policíaca, y no hay novelas policíacas que me gusten tanto como las de Maigret.
En esta, el comisario no se desenvuelve en París, como de costumbre, sino que lo hace en una localidad de provincias a la que ha ido a visitar a su amigo. Si bien prefiero los casos que se sitúan en el París tan propio de Simenon, es agradable salir de la rutina de vez en cuando y leer una historia en la que Maigret resuelve un caso sin su equipo de confianza: Lapointe, Lucas, Janvier y Torrence.
En definitiva, siempre es un placer leer a Simenon.
En esta, el comisario no se desenvuelve en París, como de costumbre, sino que lo hace en una localidad de provincias a la que ha ido a visitar a su amigo. Si bien prefiero los casos que se sitúan en el París tan propio de Simenon, es agradable salir de la rutina de vez en cuando y leer una historia en la que Maigret resuelve un caso sin su equipo de confianza: Lapointe, Lucas, Janvier y Torrence.
En definitiva, siempre es un placer leer a Simenon.
August 25, 2019
Rescaté este libro de la basura de uno de mis primos. Era uno de los elegidos para salir de casa tras una mudanza. He tardado algo más... uf no, no puedo ni decirlo, mucho menos escribir la cantidad de años que he tardado en leerlo. Me encantan Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle, Erle Stanley Gardner, Ellery Queen... Ni yo misma sé por qué he tardado tanto en hincarle el diente a Simenon y Maigret.
Muy entretenido. Me ha gustado porque no es muy explicativo, deja espacio para la deducción del lector. Quizás me habría gustado que Maigret fuera más participativo en la investigación, esta era algo secundario, pero es fácil de leer y su lectura llegó en el momento ideal, cuando estaba totalmente falta de concentración.
Muy entretenido. Me ha gustado porque no es muy explicativo, deja espacio para la deducción del lector. Quizás me habría gustado que Maigret fuera más participativo en la investigación, esta era algo secundario, pero es fácil de leer y su lectura llegó en el momento ideal, cuando estaba totalmente falta de concentración.
June 30, 2017
My first Maigret, I believe. Maigret stops over to help an old friend, a magistrate in a small country town. Maigret is lauded as the famous detective that he is, all the while Maigret just wants to go home. Clever, food and drink indulgently described, the local culture nicely presented. I can see why the series is so well regarded.
January 22, 2019
A very claustrophobic Maigret, set in a small town as the inspector gets involved in a murder case while visiting an old friend. The case is less important than the dissection of small town rivalries including the fall of families. There’s a class dimension here that’s interesting too including M’s sympathy for a poor girl. Very atmospheric. And pretty shoddy police work by the locals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews