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ameliasbooks's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
The parts when Ernaux reflects on her situation as a child, about what made her upbringing different and how long it took her to understand that, because she had no one from a different class to compare herself to, were the strongest parts in this book. What was considered to be important, how to behave and how to pretend. Apart from that this was the weakest of the ones I've read by this author so far for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Domestic abuse, and Religious bigotry
lu_fer_merino's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Violence
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Fitzcarraldo for the eARC of Shame by Annie Ernaux! The book was published originally in the 90s, but I was given a copy of the Fitzcarraldo edition which is released September 20.
I loved the descriptions of the author’s small hometown and what small town life was like in 50s France! The book could drag at times but it didn’t last very long. This is a short and quick read that can be finished in one day!
I loved the descriptions of the author’s small hometown and what small town life was like in 50s France! The book could drag at times but it didn’t last very long. This is a short and quick read that can be finished in one day!
Ernaux talks about her family, specifically a scene in which her father nearly murders her mother at the age of 12. She also talks about working at her family business, their community, her religious education, adolescence/puberty, all glimpses into her life during her 12th year. I thought it was interesting to focus on these subjects as they all revolve around (and lightly touch) on the feelings of shame!
I was expecting more about Ernaux’s family incident and the aftermath, since this moment was the main starting point for the story. I would’ve been interested to learn more about her family life both before and after, how things changed, etc.
The ending felt a bit abrupt but from what I understand, each of her books is about a different portion of her life so maybe that’s why for Shame, the ending is left open because it’s leading into her other works. I’d definitely be interested to read more from Ernaux as I loved her lyrical writing! Plus from her other book synopsis’ they also discuss the idea of shame, as Ernaux stated that following the incident she forever feels a sense of shame.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: War and Religious bigotry
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