18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

Gripping informative read, 23 Mar 2007

This review is from: Secret (Hardcover)

This book was an exciting read. The fact that it is based on a real and terrible secret in the author's life makes it even more extraordinary. The book affords an intimate glimpse into life in Paris suburbia with flashbacks to the time when France was occupied by the Nazis.

A bestseller in France, McLean does justice to the spare but lyrical prose in this excellent translation

The author's description of the forbidden love between his parents contains some of the most compelling and sexually charged passages I have read.

Above all the book underlines my assertion that the past can never be buried - secrets need to rise to the surface and be resolved. The way Grimbert surfaces and resolves his 'secret' is an inspiration.

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Secret 184627043X Philippe Grimbert Portobello Books Ltd Secret Welcome Gripping informative read This book was an exciting read. The fact that it is based on a real and terrible secret in the author's life makes it even more extraordinary. The book affords an intimate glimpse into life in Paris suburbia with flashbacks to the time when France was occupied by the Nazis.

A bestseller in France, McLean does justice to the spare but lyrical prose in this excellent translation

The author's description of the forbidden love between his parents contains some of the most compelling and sexually charged passages I have read.

Above all the book underlines my assertion that the past can never be buried - secrets need to rise to the surface and be resolved. The way Grimbert surfaces and resolves his 'secret' is an inspiration. Prof Peter Chapman 23 Mar 2007

Overall: 5

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