The War: A Memoir

The original French title, La douleur (Suffering) is far more appropriate to this masterpiece of French literature. Unfortunately much of her genial work has yet to be published. I can't recommend this gut-wrenching "memoir" enough. I would also encourage readers to read some of her novels. Preferably in French. War is her most accessible writing, so I've purchased many copies of the English translation for family and friends. None has been disappointed.Disclaimer: I'm an avid reader and literature professor, and Duras is my favorite author. Faulkner comes in a close second.

Her preoccupation with herself is really annoying. An incredible and annoying mentions of self. I know it was a memoir but there ARE other people in the universe.Book now decorates my trash can.

There is not any person over 13 that should not read this book. Duras is understated and poise as she conveys the emotional tyranny of a collective loss of freedom and an inexplicably decent man whom she brings back to life. It is not possible to say too many good things about the book.

A powerful memoir, and a work by one of Frances greatest writers.

Duras' writing can be painfully self-involved,examining emotions and intellectual reactions to emotional states until the reader feels suffocated. The War: A Memoir is no less personally intense, but the subject is the author's experiences during the Nazis occupation of Paris. Her brutal examination of her trials and the suffering of her fellow Parisians is riveting. Her painful honesty helps the reader to answer the question, "What would I have done?"

Finely made

Great book.

This copy had apparently never been read, but showed a little wear from time on shelf/in box. Story is one of best descriptions of WWII from pov of French. Author portrays characters' emotions very well.