La Petite Fille de Monsieur Linh

[Frecossais]

I read this short novella on the recommendation of a French friend recently. It's written by Philippe Claudel, who is also a Film Director, (he directed the film Sarah's Key). It is a deceptively simple book, because its themes are deeply thought provoking yet they are expressed in the purest and most easily read French.

It could be sentimental but somehow isn't. A truly exceptional book.

[NormanH]

I agree. I read it last year, and recommended it to a friend who teaches French in England for his keenest students.

Delicate, tender, moving, and exquisite  yet limpid French.

He also wrote Les Ames Grises which has also been turned into a film, which I mentioned in the French Cinema thread,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIdRZWdRQDQ

 and wrote the screenplay for the wonderful

Il y a longtemps que je t'aime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAJO_4xd_q0

I like his later books less well and couldn't finish L'Enquête because it was just too uncomfortable, and I found his recent attempt at comedy a bit lightweight although I enjoyed it very much all the same

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qGH07aA1EA

[Frecossais]

Norman, I got that wrong about Sarah's Key, I should have said Il y a longtemps que je t'aime. I thought he directed that. I too thought that was a wonderful film.

I haven't read Les Ames Grises.....yet! 

[NormanH]

It is a heavier book to read, and  I needed to take it slowly, but it is very powerful and beautifully written once again.

[Frecossais]

In that case I'll probably keep it to read in France next month when I come back. My very good friend is an ex-Prof de francais, and excellent at explaining the language and discussing the ideas.

I look forward to reading it.