An ambitious fresco

In Galicia, a Polish land now under Austrian rule, a large house tells the story of its people over more than half a century. In 1820, Jozef Zemka becomes the steward of the estate that once belonged to his family. Determined to recover the land of his ancestors, he has his way by seducing and marrying the girl of the house, the sweet and naive Clara. The couple had five daughters, to the chagrin of Jozef who wanted an heir.

This pad 700 pages takes some time and concentration: There was first a political and historical context quite complex, but also a very rich style, and rigor that gives this classic novel of manners. In my reading I have often thought of "In the hand of the devil" Anne-Marie Garat, but then I had abandoned the Garat, the book of Diane Meur that little something extra to me given desire to go to the end. I liked the ambiguity of the atmosphere and the place (where this house is held almost the entire novel), both protected cocoon the din of the world and camera stuffy. The idea of ​​entrusting the narration at home may seem absurd but it is a very natural way and finally brings a real depth to the story. She guides us through the maze of human emotions, focuses especially on women who live in it, Clara, his five daughters and granddaughter Tessa. Promises to the same dull and narrow life, they will all have a very different destiny and escape the influence of the Patriarch Jozef thanks to the passion, religion, escape or death. There are quite a few lengths here and there, but "Living and shadows" is really a beautiful family fresco, very ambitious.