THE WIDOWER tells the story of a designer named Bernard Jeantet who returns to his home in Paris from work one day to discover that his wife, Jeanne, is missing. They met eight years earlier when he rescued her from her abusive pimp. They’ve lived a quiet life since then. A life that, at least in Bernard’s mind, was one of happiness until she wasn't home to greet him one day. When Bernard learns what has become of his wife, his entire life is turned upside down. When he learns of how she has spent the eight years, he is astounded.
The Widower is a character study. We grow more and more astounded at how a man could know so little about his wife, seemingly never interested in any life beyond their own. Does he love her or his idea of her? And what are her feelings toward this rescuer or perhaps imprisoner?
The Widower is a pageturner. Only 143 pages and not a page of that is wasted. It begins with a mystery,but then opens up to answer the real questions that Simeon is concerned with. How little we know each other.
8 comments:
Simenon really was a talented writer, Patti. Very nice to see one of his books here.
This is another of his non-series books that I have but haven't yet read. Usually I read at least one at the end of the year. Before I finished the Maigrets, I would read two or three in a row. I think it's been five years since I read a Simenon (THE VENICE TRAIN).
I just finished reading Simenon's THE MAGICAN and marveled at Simenon's control and realism.
You do have to space them out or they can seem too similar but they are pretty great.
This one I haven't read. A few years ago NYRB started reprinting a lot of his non Maigret novels and I read most of those. The only one I didn't read but still have is Pedigree which is much longer than most of his books.
I had a library copy or I would loan it to you.
Time to get back to Simenon! I've only read a few of the Maigret novels. Maybe I'll venture off the reservation. I like the premise of The Widower.
Definitely time to read some more Simenon! I have many Maigret novels on the shelf awaiting me.
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