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Noir: A Novel by Olivier Pauvert
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Olivier Pauvert Translator: Adriana Hunter Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2008-12-01 ISBN: 1582434476 Number of pages: 256 Publisher: Counterpoint
Book Reviews of Noir: A NovelBook Review: 1984ish, and that's ok Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great novel that could be made into a great film. Pauvert has woven a terrific story that never seems to fully emerge from the dark. The broader picture has been cleared, but ultimate percipience remains in shadow.
France has devolved into a totalitarian state that suppresses racial minorities and rules the white majority with a quick iron fist; who is behind this and what is the goal? The book reveals little, as those in control might not even know. Bits and pieces of the main characters life come to light; what and who he has become after he is charged with murder reveals disturbing aspects of the new France and about his existence. Traveling from south France to Paris to Bordeaux, the story unfolds revealing a future France, similar to the present but, stagnant, controlling, secretive, dark.
I enjoyed how Pauvert moves the book across all of France, creating great depth and breadth (I followed the travels using Google Earth, from city to city). I also enjoyed Pauvert's obvious love of motorcycles, which allows the main character moments of freedom and simply joy, in stark contrast to his actuality. The reader is left with a greater understanding of what has taken place and how France (and perhaps the whole rest of the world) has come to it's new form. But, like "1984" and "Brave New World" (or the film Brazil), don't expect redemption and a happy ending for the protagonist...the world has changed.
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