A review by kimjay
The Years by Annie Ernaux
challenging
slow-paced
4.0
I found this book puzzling - it didn't quite move me emotionally; intellectually, I can appreciate Ernaux's vast capability to track historical events throughout her life, and it's inspired me to consider keeping a journal of my own. I wonder if not being French and being unable to understand all these references is a reason why I've been handicapped, or if a great book (as this one is) should be able to reach me regardless.
Overall themes of Ernaux's are stretching beyond the personal "I" to situate herself (and women's lives) within the broader sociopolitical collective; the consumerization of society (contrast her rural upbringing with her urban adulthood), and increased secularization of France.
Overall themes of Ernaux's are stretching beyond the personal "I" to situate herself (and women's lives) within the broader sociopolitical collective; the consumerization of society (contrast her rural upbringing with her urban adulthood), and increased secularization of France.