I've read this books versions both in English and in French, and to suggest that it is a terrible book in either is to miss the point entirely. Yes, it is a bit dry at times (especially if your French is bad.... cause you'd miss a lot of the subtlety...) Yes, in English it seems rough and not that well done. Yes, perhaps if you have a limited amount of time to read books regarding this subject matter, etc. this should not be the first book you read....

But it is a good story with a different viewpoint. Does one accept a common humanity and collaborate with the German-- who after all does not seem that evil.... or does one forgo that for the pride of being French.... and being the conquored....

Honestly, everything having to do with WWII is biased.... or most everything.... this portrait is at least honest about it.... and fairly nonpoliticized... though that is another topic entirely....

... below, for they know not what they read. This is a damn good book.

I too read this book for a French class, but with a teacher who had read it dozens of times and was able to point out the subtle intracies of the author's words. This is a powerful novel of a German soldier who loves France, French culture, and anything passionate or beautiful. Ironically, he is in France as its conqueror, occupying the home of an uncle and his niece. The uncle and niece are kept nameless and faceless, but representing the masses of France. The solider is nameless, representing the Nazis and Germany. The soldier believes that Germany and France will marry each other, uniting two magnificent and rich cultures. Through Vercors' stunning work, we are able to see a human light in the WWII Nazis who have been portrayed throughout history as only monsters. We are able to witness France's WWII occupation through the eyes of one. This book will make you rethink your own views and prejudices. This is a book that will make you see WWII, Germany, and France through a different perspective. It will also make you look at love in a different way--romantic, parental, patriotic, and so fourth. Which is strongest, that is what the book skillfully explores. This book can at times be a bit overdone in the melordramatics dept., but it's worth plowing through (cliff notes might help), even "en français"!