Exile, Writer, Soldier, Spy: Jorge Semprún

by Soledad Fox Maura

In this gripping, authoritative biography, Soledad Fox Maura reveals the tumultuous true-life story of the Oscar-nominated screenwriter responsible for Z and The War Is Over.
A man of many faces, Jorge Semprún perfectly personified the struggles and successes of twentieth-century Europe. Semprún enjoyed a privileged childhood as the grandson of Spanish prime minister, Antonio Maura, until his world was shattered by the political strife of the Spanish Civil War and he went into exile. Facing dangers rarely seen outside the action movies of Hollywood, Semprún adopted a resilient spirit and rebel’s stance. He fought with the French Resistance in World War II and survived imprisonment at Buchenwald. After the war, he became an organizing member of the exiled Spanish communist party, maintaining the appearance of a normal civilian life while keeping one step ahead of Francisco Franco's secret police for years. Semprún later put his experiences on paper, becoming an internationally acclaimed author and screenwriter.

In this skillfully crafted biography, Semprún's life reads as easily as the best thriller, and has the same addictive rush as watching an edge-of-your-seat mini-series.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2018

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating account of a complex, contradictory character who lived through an incredible time in history: the Spanish Civil War, the Second World War, and the post-Franco era in Spain. He seemed to survive thanks to his wits, his linguistic skills and his charisma. He exemplified Europe at that time, with so many families exiled, divided and uprooted.

[Jack Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very scholarly and well written work.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fascinating book about a figure likely not well known to Americans. I was only aware of his name, and did not know he wrote the screenplay for the Costa-Gavras movie Z, for example. There's a lot to know, and it's the kind of story that would be considered "too much" if it were fiction. Which is ironic, since Semprun made his biggest mark by writing autobiographical fictions.

The book is deeply researched, and chock full of information, but still somehow reads like a thriller. Or maybe I was reading it that way, because I was so fascinated by a person who could lead so many different lives in one lifetime? The guy must have been amazing, it's worth reading just for all the ways he survived and thrived. It's also fascinating to read about all the people who describe being "seduced" by him who are not talking about sexual seduction, but just wanting to be around him, wanting to do whatever he was doing, etc. He's just so remarkable, I highly recommend reading the book just to get the scope of his story.

However, I am struck by an underlying note of sadness. There's a story here of a remarkable individual who survives serious hardships (fleeing Franco, internment in Buchenwald) and thrives in many ways. But there's also a story of a guy who breaks with his father, at least one brother, his only son, most of his important mentors, and perhaps reality (there's an underlying thread of people questioning his honesty), that makes me feel sorry for him. Reality sucks, so you insist on your version of events instead, and anyone who questions your version gets banished forever. If you have the charm, energy, and brilliance of Jorge Semprun, you can get away with it all your life. But how does that feel? I bet it was not so great.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book about an author I admire, Jorge Semprun, by an author I also admire. Although I am well-informed about the Spanish Civil War and the battles between Stalinists and his critics I found the details exhausting to read. And I'm sure those living during those times found it exhausting too. But there were just too many details and arcane points of view. Maura - it seems - does not really respect or admire Sepmrun but doesn't want to come right out and say it. I did learn a lot about what a difficult and sad life he had, despite his many successes.