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.”