THE YEARS
by Annie Ernaux review by Carol Strametz In February the Book Club met in-person to discuss The
Years by Annie Ernaux , translated by Alison L . Strayer . We were graciously hosted by Carol Harbers in her lovely and welcoming home . Giving our first impression of the book , most of us found it an amazing read but not all of us .
Annie Ernaux was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature , and we felt this was an excellent reason to acquaint ourselves with her work . The Years ( Les Annés ) is an award-winning autobiographical book published in French in 2008 and considered a defining work . The highly praised English translation by Alison L . Strayer appeared in US and British editions in 2017 . The first pages , with endless snippets and references to the unfamiliar and raw , tested our patience , but we overcame them to enjoy the flow of the book .
The Years spans the time from the author ’ s birth in 1940 to 2006 , from her working-class background in Normandy to her adult life . This is not a typical autobiography about “ me ,” but rather a collective biography about “ we ” and “ she ,” the author . Her personal memories and dreams are blended with historical events and popular culture . She follows , among other things , the rise of women ’ s rights and sexual freedom , historical events , the changing views of the political left , and the rise of consumerism . Her opinions are the opinions of the collective . Her brilliant descriptions of events and their consequences are astute and precisely written with a strong emotional component .
It ’ s a beautifully written book that captivates the reader and gives pause to think from the beginning of the first sentence : “ All the images will disappear …” to the last “… to save something from the time where we will never be again .”
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