From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

Suite Française

Irène Némirovsky,

Sandra Smith

Start date: June 15, 2016

Finish date: July 15, 2016

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Group Reads Discussions

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last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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What Members Thought

Aug 16, 2008 MichelleCH rated it liked it

Shelves: european-history, fiction, 1001, own, france, pike-s-peak

This is a montage of stories, something I wasn't expecting when I first started this book. Many characters in an assortment of situations. Readers get a front row seat to what happens when the victor during a war descends upon a country to claim its spoils. Némirovsky is excellent at creating the tension and chaos that consumes everyone as they try to escape Paris and the Nazi's take over.

The most interesting parts are when average French citizens struggle to maintain their distrust and hatred o ...more

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Jul 29, 2020 Lisa of Hopewell rated it liked it

Shelves: 1001-books-to-read-before-you-di, pen-translation-prize, bloggers-book-prize

The first part of this 3-story”Suite” had me wishing for more–the exodus from Paris as the Germans approached, the resulting struggle to survive while stranded–it was gripping. The personalities emerged and took hold of me–I wanted to know how their stories came out. The rest of the book–not so much. While there were mentions of the first characters they were fleeting and meatless. I found the story of the occupying Germans far less engrossing. A bit too predictable. The author’s personal story, ...more

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Apr 21, 2010 Kim rated it really liked it

I finally finished this book on vacation while curled up on the couch on the Outer Banks. I had purchased a copy for my daughter's father-in-law & he said it was "ok". I know that he has very high standards & the book had come highly recommended, so I bought a copy of my own to read. At home the book moved slowly as I would only read at night after long, tiring days. On vacation the story line moved right along. I found this book to be well-written. I had some trouble keeping the characters stra ...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Suzanne rated it really liked it

4.5 stars. Absolutely brilliant study of human nature, especially when faced with adversity. The forward and the appendices that tell the story of Irene Nemirovsky are equally fascinating.

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Apr 30, 2011 Rebecca rated it liked it · review of another edition

Some parts of it reminded me with A Room with A View ( which I hated and didn't finish) but it was interesting to see World War II from the perspective of everyday French people. The author's story is actually more interesting than the book. ...more

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Nov 05, 2008 Rachel N. rated it liked it

This was a book club book. It's hard to rate this book knowing the author only got to tell two of the five parts of the intended story. The first part, telling of the French fleeing Paris when the Germans invade, was rather scattershot. Lots of characters introduced but not much followthrough. The second book deals with one town being occupied by the Germans. A more coherent story but too sympathetic towards the Germans for my taste. ...more

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