A review by furfff
The Bells of Bicetre by Georges Simenon

1.0

Likely the nadir so far of my (often incredibly rewarding) Simenon reading experience. But this one: ay yi yi. I believe I had stumbled across one or two reviews that suggested this was one of the greats, and if it isn't already clear, I do not share that perception. A famous editor has a medical incident, lands in the hospital for many weeks, and ruminates about how he doesn't want to see anyone or really re-engage with any part of his past. A sad, simple request that maybe doesn't merit so many words. And as if Simenon himself understands that, he has his protgonist late in the book summarize entire days with one or two words in his journal. It's the first and only tme that you admire this character. At least he cuts to the chase!