Top reviews from the United States
JEDruryVINE VOICE A plotless mishmash !- Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2023Philippe Tapon's "The Mistress," set in Paris, 1944 during the German occupation, has a set of a half a dozen characters; a doctor, his mistress, his two children, a German Nazi and a priest. The book is a rambling, plotless, structural mishmash populated by nasty characters, angry insulting dialogue, a blood drenched office ulcer operation, a hint of lust and desire, and far too many dreams of inconsequence. The writing is overly descriptive especially with the author's penchant to try out for the reader multiple descriptions of an item or an event for emphasis which is repetitive and annoying; but this occurs when an author like Tapon is adrift with a typewriter searching for a plot.
Jana L.PerskieHALL OF FAMEVINE VOICE A Penetrating Look At Nazi Occupied Paris. A Thrilling Read!Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2004"The Mistress" is an apt title for this novel, even though it may be misleading for those who are looking for a romantic read. Philippe Tapon gives the reader a penetrating look at Paris during the Nazi occupation through the eyes of a doctor, Emile Bastien, and his mistress, Simone. Dr. Bastien, specializing in the treatment of stomach ailments, is an equal opportunity doctor, accepting both French and German patients, including those from both the Gestapo and the Resistance.
Bastien lives with Simone and his two children in Paris. His wife, Marie resides on her estate in the south of France, racing horses, tending her vineyards, and nursing her bitterness and rage at the husband who has betrayed her. Simone is Bastien's nurse, secretary, housekeeper and nanny, as well as his jaded lover. Their love petered out long ago. They live very well in the war deprived city and Simone continues to stay with the sometimes abusive doctor out of self preservation. Where else is she to go? Self-preservation is something that Simone excels at. She is privy to all her lover's secrets and when he makes a move, during the final days of the occupation, to revenge himself against the Nazis, she has her own alternate plan.
Tapon's novel is tautly written in elegant prose. He tells a tale of betrayal and revenge against the backdrop of paranoia and fear that is Paris in 1944. His small cast of characters are cunning and duplicitous. Everyone is out for themselves in this dog-eat-dog world that the Third Reich created. I found myself unable to put this gripping and original novel down. I recommend it highly.
JANA
Product details
- Language : English
- ISBN-13 : 9780525944614
- Item Weight : 14.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 9.63 x 6.86 x 1.21 inches
Tác giả:
Philippe Tapon
