Silence of the Sea / Le Silence de la Mer: A Novel of French Resistance during the Second World War by 'Vercors'

This was a really good look at life in occupied France, but don't expect it to be Inglorious Basterds. It is a slow novel about passive resistance to Nazi occupation. It is about taking a stand and not talking to the enemy, not letting them become comfortable in their occupied home. There is no action, no guts, no gore or war or espionage. It is a small family living with a Nazi and enduring his presence.None of the above is meant to be a criticism. I really enjoyed this short read. I'm just letting you know not to expect dead drops and French seductresses hiding poison in baguettes. It is a realistic, slow look at French occupation.And did I mention short? It's a hundred pages soaking wet, and that's with both the French and English versions. It should be called a short story, a novella at most. Again, not a slam against this important and well written historical document. (Though maybe it is a slam against the publisher who didn't really inform me what to expect).The writing is impactful, the characters are realistic and at times heart breaking. The resistance is pscyhological. It is a must read for any WWII buffs out there for sure, but expect a very short piece when you get it. You'll be done in a day.

I've bought hundreds of books through Amazon, but this is the first time I've been moved to write a review. I was deeply touched by this seemingly simple, small story. Instead of good guys versus bad guys, this shows the individual behind the enemy uniform. Each person in a uniform, whatever side he or she is on, is an individual, a human being. How beautiful that the author, in the midst of the German invasion of his country, could write about the enemy in a tender and sympathetic way. Kudos for such a truly extraordinary work. It continues to fill my thoughts.

I like this book a lot! I purchased it for a French class so I could have easy translation instead of looking up every single word I didn't know and it worked very well. I learned about Germany's occupation of France from the perspective of French citizens and it was very interesting.

I just have to say how much I love this book -- especially this edition which includes both the original French text, an English translation, a historical introduction, and a literary introduction. The original text is so poignant, with such simple words Vercors/Bruller was able to invoke such poignant themes of silence and resistance. The relationship between the niece and the soldier is one of such silent conflict, and the narration is an example of amazing storytelling. I do love both the 1949 and 2004 film versions, but for me the book is truly the best.

Nice clean item arrived on time

I read the French and the English version. The French is better, more nuanced and more literate, but both are excellent. It is wonderful to have masterpieces of literature available in both translation and in the original language. Silence can be very telling and this book proves that point.

I have a copy with the French and English, and knowing a little French, I liked to go back and forth, learning more French. Love that it was written during the occupation.

Great story

Cet ouvrage de 102 pages (en anglais), régulièrement réédité depuis 1991, est une référence en Grande-Bretagne. Il s'adresse à un lectorat anglophone désireux de découvrir l'oeuvre de Vercors. Le texte (en français) du Silence de la mer (avec le vocabulaire expliqué en notes) est suivi de l'excellente traduction réalisée en 1944 par C. Connolly et diffusée sous le titre de Put Out the Light.Le récit de Vercors est précédé d'une présentation historique (de l'auteur, de la France sous l'Occupation, de la genèse à la diffusion clandestine du Silence de la mer) et d'une analyse littéraire de la nouvelle (du titre, des personnages, du message que Vercors entendait transmettre... etc). Il est suivi d'une bibliographie (non exhaustive mais essentielle) relative à l'oeuvre de Vercors et au contexte de son écriture.James Brown et Lawrence Stokes s'appuient ainsi sur de nombreuses références qui font autorité telles K. Bieber, J. Debû-Bridel, R. Konstantinovic et bien d'autres... et bien sûr, sur les essais de Vercors).Un travail remarquable. Une étude claire et précise. A recommander.

Simply brilliant in being able to read in French and understand. I’m hoping for an A* in my studies of this literary work.

I bought this book because we are studying it in my French class. It is very good because there's a good introduction to begin with then the story in French and then the story in English. Even whilst you are reading the French some of the less common vocabulary and phrases are explained at the foot of the page, which is very helpful.The story is explained by many other reviewers so no need for me to do so too.

Purchased it as used and they delivered a book that looked like new.Definitely worth reading!

brilliant