May 2008
Suite Française

But working-class people were highly strung. "How they do get carried away," Madame Péricand thought reproachfully. She was one of those middle-class women who generally trust the lower classes. "They're not so bad if you know how to deal with them," she would say in the same condescending and slightly sad tone she used to talk of a caged animal. She was proud that she kept her servants for a long time. She insisted on looking after them when they were ill. When Madeleine had had a sore throat, Madame Péricand herself had prepared her gargle. Since she had no time to administer it during the day, she had waited until she got back from the theatre in the evening. Madeleine had woken up with a start and had only expressed her gratitude afterwards, and even then, rather coldly in Madame Péricand's opinion. Well, that's the lower classes for you.... [more on the book]

Coming Up

Scheduling

The Washington, D.C. chapter meets the 3rd Sunday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. in locations throughout metro D.C. ... [more] The Berlin chapter will discuss the book on Sunday, May 25th from 6-8 p.m. at Tammi's place in Friedrichshain... [more]