Vie Francaise

I read the french version which slowed me down. I thought the juxtaposition of the coming of age story set against the political environment of the Fifth Republic was highly informative and added to my knowledge of french politics. This is beautiful writing, is it the french language? There are so many poignant metaphors and subtle references, so many rich characters, humor, sorrow, deceit, love, family dynamics. Even though the last part of the story was sad, there was a beauty in how it was tied to nature. That's the cycle of life. We all face disappointments as we age. I think Paul managed his life, and its hardships, admirably. After all, he was an artist.