Pierre Lemaitre was born in Paris in 1956. He worked for
many years as a teacher of literature and now devotes his time to
writing novels and screenplays. In 2013 he was awarded the Prix
Goncourt, France's most prestigious literary award, for Au Revoir
Là-Haut.
Frank Wynne is a translator from French and Spanish. His
translations include works by Michel Houellebecq, Marcelo
Figueras's IFFP-shortlisted Kamchatka, and the Commandant Camille
Verhoeven trilogy (Alex, Irène, and Camille), by Pierre Lemaitre.
"[An] assured, somber exploration of post-WWI French
society...Lemaitre captures the venal capitalism of the postwar
period...Despite his unscrupulous scheme, Édouard proves impossible
to dislike. His determination to play a great trick on the society
that betrayed him is infectious, and readers cannot help rooting
for his plans as they reach their dark, bizarrely joyous
fruition."--Publishers Weekly
"A dark, burning requiem delivered in glorious prose that is as
tough and effective as a punch in the face . . . It will leave you
stunned."
--François Busnel, Express
"A masterly epic of post-war France, where impostures triumph and
capitalists grow rich from the ruins."
--Macha Séry, Le Monde
Winner of the Prix Goncourt Winner the International Dagger Award
for Best Crime Novel "Mr. Lemaitre's background in crime fiction
shows through in the intricate plotting and suspenseful pacing of
The Great Swindle, which at times reads like a thriller. Its
characters harbor so many secrets that part of the enjoyment in the
book comes from seeing how the author plans to disentangle
them."--Sarah Lyall, The New York Times
"A fast-paced tale, filled with twists and turns, following a
mischievous, disillusioned view of post-war France."
--Astrid de Larminat, Figaro
"Its themes connect elegantly with its action . . . a striking
critique of a grieving nation's desire to prettify its past."
--Times Literary Supplement
"Lemaitre's tale is carefully researched, and most of the story's
value lies in its historical authenticity....the battlefield and
hospital scenes convey Lemaitre's mastery of imagery."--Kirkus
Reviews
"Pierre Lemaitre breaks the elitist mould with passion, clarity,
and originality . . . moving, angry, intelligent--and
compelling."
--Marcel Berlins, The Times
"You feel the author's indignation . . . Who really profits from
war? Crooks, the vengeful, and frauds. The Great Swindle is
political as much as it is picaresque."
--Christine Ferniot, Telerama
"You'll be horrified and angered, yet often amused at this clever
look at war's aftermath."
--Weekend Sport
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