Daniel Anselme (1927–1989)

An amazing little book which so effectively captures in a few short chapters the alienation of three conscripts into the french army during the Algerian independence struggle. This is not an account of war, the book covers a period of ten days whilst the soldiers are on leave and return to their Paris homes. Unable to relate to, or be related to by, their families and friends; numbed by their growing sense of dread at their imminent return to Algeria, they slide around Paris like ducks on a frozen pond. Very powerful. 6 February 2017… (más)

It was easy for me to relate to the premise for this short novel. I am the daughter of a man who was taken from his parent's home at age 18 and shipped to the South Pacific during WWII and found his adulthood amid the shocking horrors of war. This book tells of three servicemen who return home for a week's leave and the disfunctional relationships and abhorrent treatment they are subjected to from their families and countrymen. I saw this shameful treatment of our Vietnam Vets in my youth. Apathy is not an answer. When will it end? My thanks to the author, the translation and Goodreads for a complimentary copy of this work.… (más)