"Etes-vous, parmi nous, a ce point étrangere" Jean Racine

There is a lot more detail here than in the previous books. We enter the world of intellectuals, artists and thespians. This allows Duhamel to introduce a range of new characters, in addition to the ones we have already met. I trust that my review may reassure any reader who has not followed the Pasquier chronicle that this book can be read in isolation without spoiling the reader's enjoyment. For example, the reader may be encouraged to go back to the first in the series (Le Notaire du Havre) to follow up Laurent's reference to his childhood friend Désiree Wasselin.

From the title we would reasonably expect Cécile to figure prominently. This she does although she does not appear in every scene. The earlier chapters are concerned with her brother Joseph's clandestine involvement in the debate about the apparent use of explosive bullets is the Balkan war between Turkey and Bulgaria. (It is the first quarter of 1913).

Cécile does not wish to enter the debate (she detests the "men of ideas") but her husband, Richard Fauvet does. Joseph's involvement is to further his business interests (Laurent tells his old friend Justin Weill, that "Joseph is everywhere"). Richard is an intellectual, who surrounded by his devoted coterie, decries sentimentality and advocates pure rigorous examination of any subject that interests the group.

Richard and Cecile are not kindred spirits and share only their name, occupying separate rooms in their shared apartment. It is a continual puzzle to Laurent and Justin as to how they came together. Subject to asthma and other maladies, Richard pursues his interest in other women. One particular dalliance will trigger a chain of events and lead to a fateful conclusion.

We witness intimate conversations between Richard and Cécile in which she coolly responds to his taunts). He insists on calling her "Athene" and using the non-familiar "vous".

We do see Cécile the pianist when she mentors her four young pupils of varying ability. Later, the family attend her concert where Cécile appears to be distracted and loses her composure. This is the trigger for a series of events which will form the climax of the book.

Cécile's relationship with her brother, Laurent, is strained by his attempts to confide his anxieties as he used to do when they were children. Later she has urgent need of his medical skills.

Another abiding relationship is that between Laurent and Justin Weill. Their worlds are diverging as Laurent's career as a biologist and savant progresses, and Justin the poet is still seeking his place in the world. Cécile is again the link as we know from the previous books that Justin wishes he could have married her and he still maintains an interest in her wellbeing.

Suzanne, Cécile's younger sister, has established her career on the stage. Increasingly attractive, her looks and charm are exerting a dangerous affect on younger and older men.

So we come to the opening chapter in the book, Cécile has the child she has longed for, Alexandre, 25 months old. She values him above all else, even her triumphs as a confirmed international pianist. She has been married for 3 years.
We also learn that Dr Raymond Pasquier intends to write a masterpiece, and confides this momentous news to Laurent while instructing him not to mention this to his mother.

Read on and enjoy.

This is excellent - why didn't I discover Duhamel earlier? Cecile is the Pasquier who is a world class musician - her husband is a mad intellectual and all is more or less seen through the eyes of her brother Laurent. Family friction abounds, said and unsaid, there is a tragic death, each individual member is talented but has well defined and differing characteristics. The story flows along perfectly. ( )