The Mandarins (edit title)

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  • Rated 0 stars

  “An autobiographical (I guess) roman a clef. It is set in immediate post-liberation France when no one knew whether Europe would go Commie or what.
  
  All the lefties are present loosely cloaked in their roman-a-cleffie garb.
  
  The novel is written from 2 perspectives a 3rd person and a 1st - roughly alternating chapters. They intersperse the sociopolitical turmoil of the time and a cross-atlantic love affair.
  
  There are a few stunning language clunkers which I assume are translation flaws. But really this is must read material.
  
  Note that it is an immense book and requires a bit of commitment. But she is a beautiful writer. ”

  Paul O wrote this review Friday, December 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 3 stars

  “See the review for Simone's memoirs. This is her only novel, I think. It's not all that great, but if you love Simone, then you must read it. It's fun enough.”

  Patricia H wrote this review Monday, May 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 0 stars

  “I have been thinking about this book for a long time. It is hard to read in the beginning, but then you can't let go of it. It feels very true even though I have never met people who live like the characters. The protagonist reflects the feelings of a woman her age, even today.”

  Tanya T wrote this review Tuesday, November 6 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No