Before I even began to read "Dora Bruder", I knew that this book would be something special. Partly because the author had won a Nobel Prize a year ago (and that means something), but mainly due to the fact that it would be my first novel in French that I would read entirely, from start to finish.
The novel is told by Modiano himself. In the late 80s, the author finds an old ad from 1941 saying that some young Jewish girl named Dora Bruder is missing. From that time on, Modiano tries to obtain as much information as possible to understand: a) why the girl went missing; b) what happened with the girl afterwards. It is a story that tells about yet another person whose life was destroyed because of one simple fact - she was a Jew during the time when being one was the biggest crime you could ever imagine. And as far as I understand this is not a fiction; all the characters are real and they actually lived during the twentieth century, which makes the story even more appealing.
Even though the novel, in its essence, would seem rather sad, the author tries to focus more on some happy moments; for instance, how close Dora was with her family or how courageous and rebellious the girl was when she ran away. That is why this book leaves no negative emotions or sadness, but the opposite. I wouldn't dare to say it brings excitement (perhaps, it might be a little over the line; we are still referring to some very unpleasant events in human history), but the word "sentiment", in my view, works well in this context. Moreover, the plot actually has a hint of a detective story. Step by step Midiano unravels the mystery, and the destinies of the main characters are revealed only at the end of the last chapter.
One more thing. For those of you who have studied French, but think they would not manage a book like this - don't be afraid to try! I was reluctant at first, as well. In fact, the book was just lying on my bedside table for months before I finally had the courage to pick it up and read it. And to be honest, it wasn't that bad as I thought it would be. Modiano's language is quite simple, yet engaging, and you do not have to have C1 to be able to understand the plot. Besides, the author repeats some of the phrases several times, making sure you don't get lost somewhere in the story, so even if you didn't get few words or a sentence the first time, it won't be a problem further on.
The novel is told by Modiano himself. In the late 80s, the author finds an old ad from 1941 saying that some young Jewish girl named Dora Bruder is missing. From that time on, Modiano tries to obtain as much information as possible to understand: a) why the girl went missing; b) what happened with the girl afterwards. It is a story that tells about yet another person whose life was destroyed because of one simple fact - she was a Jew during the time when being one was the biggest crime you could ever imagine. And as far as I understand this is not a fiction; all the characters are real and they actually lived during the twentieth century, which makes the story even more appealing.
Even though the novel, in its essence, would seem rather sad, the author tries to focus more on some happy moments; for instance, how close Dora was with her family or how courageous and rebellious the girl was when she ran away. That is why this book leaves no negative emotions or sadness, but the opposite. I wouldn't dare to say it brings excitement (perhaps, it might be a little over the line; we are still referring to some very unpleasant events in human history), but the word "sentiment", in my view, works well in this context. Moreover, the plot actually has a hint of a detective story. Step by step Midiano unravels the mystery, and the destinies of the main characters are revealed only at the end of the last chapter.
One more thing. For those of you who have studied French, but think they would not manage a book like this - don't be afraid to try! I was reluctant at first, as well. In fact, the book was just lying on my bedside table for months before I finally had the courage to pick it up and read it. And to be honest, it wasn't that bad as I thought it would be. Modiano's language is quite simple, yet engaging, and you do not have to have C1 to be able to understand the plot. Besides, the author repeats some of the phrases several times, making sure you don't get lost somewhere in the story, so even if you didn't get few words or a sentence the first time, it won't be a problem further on.
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