The first novella in Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Francaise revolves around the lives of several French citizens fleeing Paris during the German invasion of WWII. Although this isn’t a typical summertime fare, Nemirovsky’s character sketches are intriguing and an honest portrayal of human nature.
Nemirovsky’s writing vividly expresses the duality of the human race. While at first, she evokes sympathy for the Pericand family, once the details of their existence are revealed, they are no more noble than any of the other characters described. Phillipe, the missionary son reveals his true thoughts about the group of young boys he is leading through the exodus; although he later confesses it as a moment of evil weakness, his true feelings are revealed when he follows the two boys into the house, saying “Oh you little brats! Just wait till I sort you out.” The family’s most horrifying act, though, is leaving Monsieur Pericand senior behind. Madame Pericand does not even realize it until it is too late to go and find them.
The only hopeful and empathetic people, who do not give in to selfish needs and have a glimmer of selflessness are the Michauds. They both help those who are hurt in the train bombing, and worry about the well-being of their soldier son. However, in the end, even they must revert to selfish undermining of their boss to gain their money. It could be argued that they have no choice when facing someone as uncivil and abusive as their boss, Corbin. The couple is given strength and renewed hope only by the idea of getting back at Corbin for his animosity. Monsieur Michaud claims that if he sees Corbin, his only recourse would be to spit in his face.
Nemirovsky’s depictions of these French citizens are stark and realistic. Although there is some depiction of love and generosity, they are always stamped out in favor of one’s own self when survival is the matter at hand. I am not claiming that Nemirovsky portrays selfishness as the preliminary motivation of a person, but that it is easily given into during a time of disaster and panic. There is no clear division of good and evil, only the blur of an honest humanity.
