Un cirque passe (Folio) (French Edition)

by Patrick Modiano

Paperback, 1999

Status

Available

Call number

843.914

Genres

General Fiction

All Topics

Fiction

Publication

Distribooks Inc (1999), 165 pages

Description

One of the hallmarks of French author Patrick Modiano's writing is a singular ability to revisit particular motifs and episodes, infusing each telling with new detail and emotional nuance. In this evocative novel the internationally acclaimed author takes up one of his most compelling themes: a love affair with a woman who disappears, and a narrator grappling with the mystery of a relationship stopped short. Set in mid-sixties Paris, After the Circus traces the relationship between the narrator, a young man not quite of legal age, and the slightly older, enigmatic woman he first glimpses at a police interrogation. The two lovers make their uncertain way into each other's hearts, but the narrator soon finds himself in the unsettling, ominous presence of others. Who are these people? Are they real, or simply evoked? Part romance, part detective story, this mesmerizing book fully demonstrates Modiano's signature use of atmosphere and suggestion as he investigates the perils and the exhilaration of young love.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member RandyMetcalfe

A young man, Jean, on the cusp between adolescence and adulthood begins a tentative but amorous liaison with a slightly older but possibly far more experienced woman, Gisèle. Jean is an orphan, for all intents and purposes, his father having absconded and his mother uncertainly located in the

south of Spain. With Gisèle, he both seeks and avoids learning too much about her. She has a past, he’s certain, but he prefers to leave it in the past. Her present “friends” are at least as shady as Jean’s absent father. The police have already interrogated Jean and Gisèle, and there is a lurking menace that they may be called upon again. With past unknown and the present indifferent, Jean places all his hopes on the future, a possible future he might have in Rome if only he can get out of Paris in time, ideally with Gisèle.

This may be Patrick’s Modiano’s most coherent, taut tale. It has his trademark uncertainties and suspicion, the threat of violence and more, and the wistfulness of memories being recaptured. Jean is affecting and innocent for the time being, and Gisèle is alluring and we wish for her to be innocent for Jean’s sake. It is a tempting combination.

Definitely recommended.

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LibraryThing member BarbaraUrban

I won this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review...thank you!
This is the first book I have read by Patrick Modiano and I enjoyed it very much. The story was easy to get involved in so I was eager to keep turning the pages. There is mystery and romance set in Paris in the 1960's with

the atmosphere of noir. This author won the Pulitzer Prize for "In the Café of Lost Youth" which I will be reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a short but compelling read.

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LibraryThing member steller0707

Nobel Prize-winning author, Patrick Modiano, has not written "a mystery" but, instead "about mystery." Although the text is spare, it appears to shimmers with meaning that is just out of reach. It is a story about coming-of-age, but more important, explores love, trust and memory. A lovely story.

LibraryThing member vladmihaisima

Atmospheric and mysterious book about a young man in Paris and his love story with a stranger. The story is sparse, with few actual details completely explained, being more about a journey within Paris (street name and neighborhoods are described in detail) and within the feelings of the main

character. Very enjoying read capturing some of the charm of Paris written by someone who probably loves the city.

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