Scan barcode
dianavd05's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
lesya_pohorila's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
If I ever wrote a book, it would be something like this – quoting the author, “an existence that is singular but also merged with the movements of a generation.” In other words, the emotions evoked by natural human milestones intertwined with the social and political climate of one’s life.
The universal language we all share – the ritual of meals, the forming and breaking of relationships, the pursuit of dreams and aspirations, reflections on growing older and getting old – is what made the novel so relatable, despite the 70-year gap between the author and me. She wrote about none of us specifically yet all of us at once.
The portrayal of technological development and the rise of consumerism made me reflect on how they have transformed throughout my life. However, I occasionally found myself lost in the French social and political context. To fully appreciate the emotions explored, some familiarity with the subject would be helpful.
Meditative, slow-paced, reflective.
alanzalot's review against another edition
4.0
Ernaux weaves personal memoir with commentary on France’s evolving social and political landscape over the decades from 1940 to 2007 and places it in a broader global context. Anyone well versed in French history will find this a fascinating journey. I personally had difficulty connecting to the material for the first 75 pages or so, laboriously sifting through French pop culture references that were meaningless to me. I’m terrible enough when it comes to pop culture I grew up with… For that reason it was helpful to read with an English translation as companion, as reassurance in those moments of self doubt. So happy I persevered. My comprehension frustrations diminished as I became swept up in Ernaux’ captivating language and astute observations such that I was able to integrate myself into her stories and history and feel a part of the “je collectif.”
laurakelll's review against another edition
4.0
tegelesin selle raamatuga vist ostule mõtlemise hetkest kuni lugemise lõpetamiseni sama kaua kui annie ernaux seda mentally kirjutas (miljon aastat)
steenseamn's review against another edition
5.0
“at this time, no inventory could be made of the girl’s abstract knowledge”
later though, annie ernaux made an inventory. the result is buzzing earnest expression of a working class woman’s confrontation with the midcentury intellectual cool, wartime, modernity, generational disparity, motherhood and five decades of politics, trends, and technology. the novel sings the familiar tune of finding one’s identity in a seemingly abstract and meaningless world. without being trite, ernaux reminds her readers that we are not alone through palpable imagery and self expression feels like eye-contact.
I also especially enjoyed the English translation which was beautifully formed and felt well suited for the writing style and Franco-centric content.
later though, annie ernaux made an inventory. the result is buzzing earnest expression of a working class woman’s confrontation with the midcentury intellectual cool, wartime, modernity, generational disparity, motherhood and five decades of politics, trends, and technology. the novel sings the familiar tune of finding one’s identity in a seemingly abstract and meaningless world. without being trite, ernaux reminds her readers that we are not alone through palpable imagery and self expression feels like eye-contact.
I also especially enjoyed the English translation which was beautifully formed and felt well suited for the writing style and Franco-centric content.
janebracher's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0