by Sebastien Japrisot

isbn: 0452272971
subject: Fiction and Literature
finished: 12/3/1999

After the First World War, Mathilde Donnay refuses to believe that her fiance has been killed. Upon investigating the circumstances of his death, she finds that many doors are closed to her since he was part of a group that was supposed to have been executed as deserters. However, she does not give up easily and is determined to find the truth, even if it makes her some enemies. The English translation of A Very Long Engagement is interesting -- it retains many French idioms and speech patterns in the text as well as in the dialogue. This is awkward at times, but it fits, and it brings across the atmosphere of post-WWI France. Matti and her family are engaging characters; this is a good detective story as well as a study of the ravaging effects of war. Recommended.