PDF Silence of the Sea / Le Silence de la Mer A Novel of French Resistance during the Second World War by 'Vercors' James W Brown Lawrence D Stokes Cyril Connelly Books

Product details Paperback 128 pages Publisher Berg Publishers; Reprint edition (April 1, 2002) Language English ISBN-10 0854963782

Silence of the Sea / Le Silence de la Mer A Novel of French Resistance during the Second World War by 'Vercors' James W Brown Lawrence D Stokes Cyril Connelly Books Reviews

• This was a really good look at life in occupied France, but don't expect it to be Inglorious Basterds. It is a slow novel about passive resistance to Nazi occupation. It is about taking a stand and not talking to the enemy, not letting them become comfortable in their occupied home. There is no action, no guts, no gore or war or espionage. It is a small family living with a Nazi and enduring his presence.
  
  None of the above is meant to be a criticism. I really enjoyed this short read. I'm just letting you know not to expect dead drops and French seductresses hiding poison in baguettes. It is a realistic, slow look at French occupation.
  
  And did I mention short? It's a hundred pages soaking wet, and that's with both the French and English versions. It should be called a short story, a novella at most. Again, not a slam against this important and well written historical document. (Though maybe it is a slam against the publisher who didn't really inform me what to expect).
  
  The writing is impactful, the characters are realistic and at times heart breaking. The resistance is pscyhological. It is a must read for any WWII buffs out there for sure, but expect a very short piece when you get it. You'll be done in a day.
• I read the French and the English version. The French is better, more nuanced and more literate, but both are excellent. It is wonderful to have masterpieces of literature available in both translation and in the original language. Silence can be very telling and this book proves that point.
• I just have to say how much I love this book -- especially this edition which includes both the original French text, an English translation, a historical introduction, and a literary introduction. The original text is so poignant, with such simple words Vercors/Bruller was able to invoke such poignant themes of silence and resistance. The relationship between the niece and the soldier is one of such silent conflict, and the narration is an example of amazing storytelling. I do love both the 1949 and 2004 film versions, but for me the book is truly the best.
• I like this book a lot! I purchased it for a French class so I could have easy translation instead of looking up every single word I didn't know and it worked very well. I learned about Germany's occupation of France from the perspective of French citizens and it was very interesting.
• I've bought hundreds of books through , but this is the first time I've been moved to write a review. I was deeply touched by this seemingly simple, small story. Instead of good guys versus bad guys, this shows the individual behind the enemy uniform. Each person in a uniform, whatever side he or she is on, is an individual, a human being. How beautiful that the author, in the midst of the German invasion of his country, could write about the enemy in a tender and sympathetic way. Kudos for such a truly extraordinary work. It continues to fill my thoughts.
• I have a copy with the French and English, and knowing a little French, I liked to go back and forth, learning more French. Love that it was written during the occupation.
• Great story
• It's a classic - if you love WW2 history this is what you have to read
  It's a short story but I enjoyed every word