A Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker - 3.5 stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

A Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker - 3.5* - My Review

An unnamed Irish writer leaves Ireland for Paris during the German occupation in WWII. A bit of light research reveals that the protagonist is Samuel Beckett. It recounts the arrests of several of his friends and his time helping the French Resistance. He and his partner, Suzanne, must flee Paris to avoid the Gestapo. The story is told in present tense. I have mixed feelings about portraying the conversations, thoughts, and feelings of a real person. There are references to other writers, particularly James Joyce, and allusions to Beckett’s works (especially Waiting for Godot) scattered throughout the narrative. It is nicely written. I had trouble remaining engaged and set it aside for a while, but I am glad I picked it back up and finished it.

3.5