Scan barcode
A review by lorees_reading_nook
Le Bal & Snow in Autumn by Irène Némirovsky
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.75
Real rating 3.7
Despite the brevity of both stories in this book, I felt that the author expertly captured the essence of her main characters and was able to convey them to her readers. Antoinette is a typical teenager, self-centred with violent mood swings, that she gives into without thinking of the consequences as long as she has her revenge. It was uncomfortable to deal with her petulance but it made for a very realistic read. None of the Kampfs are likeable but I believe that this is intended. As a reader, I was never sure where my sympathies lay. Probably with none of them.
Snow In Autumn is a sadder story. The protagonist, Tatiana. Is an elderly servant who remains loyal to her masters even when faced with poverty and exile. It was heart-breaking to read about the plight of this stoic woman who left her beloved country and customs behind and tried to adapt to a new way of life. The writing is exquisite and Tatiana’s grief is palpable.
Both stories offer an insight into the harsh realities of family dynamics. But, whereas Le Bal is tense and dramatic, Snow In Autumn has a slower, melancholic pace. It was definitely my favourite of the two.
I highly recommend this book as an excellent introduction to Irene Nemirovsky’s writing.
Despite the brevity of both stories in this book, I felt that the author expertly captured the essence of her main characters and was able to convey them to her readers. Antoinette is a typical teenager, self-centred with violent mood swings, that she gives into without thinking of the consequences as long as she has her revenge. It was uncomfortable to deal with her petulance but it made for a very realistic read. None of the Kampfs are likeable but I believe that this is intended. As a reader, I was never sure where my sympathies lay. Probably with none of them.
Snow In Autumn is a sadder story. The protagonist, Tatiana. Is an elderly servant who remains loyal to her masters even when faced with poverty and exile. It was heart-breaking to read about the plight of this stoic woman who left her beloved country and customs behind and tried to adapt to a new way of life. The writing is exquisite and Tatiana’s grief is palpable.
Both stories offer an insight into the harsh realities of family dynamics. But, whereas Le Bal is tense and dramatic, Snow In Autumn has a slower, melancholic pace. It was definitely my favourite of the two.
I highly recommend this book as an excellent introduction to Irene Nemirovsky’s writing.