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. ( )

A sparse and immediate story, in noir style, about memory in the city of Paris, at a time of conflict, and with characters that are all placed (in some way) in opposition to the status quo. A great, brief, and addictive story. ( )

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. ( )

An 18 year old meets an older girl after they’ve both been questioned by the police about a matter never really revealed. He’s an innocent soul, she not as much. They’re both adrift, loosely connected to their families and their home – Paris. They’re planning to escape to Rome - where he has been offered employment – as soon as she finishes up a few loose ends. They’re somewhat controlled by older adults who don’t appear to have the best intentions. “His entire person corresponded so perfectly to that empty apartment.”

While the narrator looks forward he also uses his sense to recall to narrate events that happened in the past. At one point he desires to change the light bulb in a room in which a scene takes place in his mind, to better envision the scene. ( )

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. ( )