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- Verified Buyer
Pierre Magnan's novel is set in Provence in 1896.At three-weeks old, Seraphin Monge, is the sole survivor of the cold-blooded massacre of his family. His parents, grandfather, and two brothers were murdered in their home on the eve of Saint Michael's Day, September 28.In 1920, two years after World War I, Seraphin returned home. He discovered that during his infancy, his family's land was sold, but the house remained. He also discovered, for the first time, how his family died, and that it took place in their home.Fearful, superstitious, and ignorant, his neighbors think of him as evil, and reject him for surviving the massacre.To erase the tragedy, Seraphin dismantles the home, brick-by-brick. During the demolition, he finds several gold coins, and IOUs owed to his father by three neighbors, owing over 1200 francs. The IOUs, with an agreed interest of 23 percent, was to be paid in full, September 29, on Saint Michael's Day.Believing the debtors murdered his family, Seraphin plots to avenge their deaths. Complications arise when the three debtors' daughters have a romantic interest inhim. But Seraphin has no interest in the young women. He even contemplates murdering one of them.Seraphin, day and night, with pent-up emotions, becomes absorbed with the murders. He even has nightmares, believing his mother wants him to avenge their deaths. Yet, he is uneasy when he finds someone else is eliminating the debtors for him.Four people speak to Seraphin about the murders in his home. Two witnessed the murders and two walked in after the murders took place. They all have an account or perception of what happened.There is a surprise ending disclosing the murderers, although I had an inkling of one of the suspect's name.I could not connect with the protagonist. Seraphin is an enigma. The other characters were more interesting. The last chapter is confusing; however, I think that was the author's idea. The last chapter takes place in the 1980s and the only living person who remembers Seraphin Monge is Marie Dormeur, one of the young women who loved him. She is now in her eighties and being interviewed by an unknown man concerning Seraphin. I will say no more than that.Although Pierre Magnan is sometimes a bit wordy, he gives you descriptive vistas in southeastern France. His similes are excellent.This book was the winner of France's Best Novel of the Year Award.
