Scene of the Crime: A Novel

A haunting novel that probes the enigmas of time and memory, by Nobel Prize–winning author Patrick Modiano, has been acclaimed by critics. "Polizzotti's crisp and evocative translation keeps the reader hooked," according to Publishers Weekly.

In Modiano's semi-autobiographical novella Suspended Sentences, the author recounted a dramatic season in his childhood, of the home he shared with sinister surrogate parents, the mysterious events that took place there, and an infamous heist that was never solved. In Scene of the Crime, Modiano conjures the aftermath of those years.

A decade has passed, and Jean Bosmans, now in his early twenties, becomes aware of a set of disturbing coincidences involving an elusive woman, his childhood home, and a host of disquieting characters who seem inordinately interested in his past, for reasons he can't fathom. As he journeys into the echoes of memory, past and present become increasingly intertwined, forming a web spanning half a century.

With the taut suspense of a detective novel, this book slowly peels away layers of time and forgetfulness to reveal the haunting, threatening, ultimately tragic legacies of what we think we know about our lives. The reader is kept hooked by Polizzotti's crisp and evocative translation, which has been praised by Publishers Weekly.

The novel by the Nobel Prize–winning author Patrick Modiano probes the enigmas of time and memory, creating a haunting and suspenseful narrative. As Jean Bosmans unravels the mysteries of his past, the book delves into the complex interplay of memory, identity, and the legacy of the decisions we make in life. Through its intricate weaving of past and present, Scene of the Crime explores the elusive nature of truth and the ways in which our perceptions of our own lives can be shaped by forces beyond our control.

The book's taut suspense, reminiscent of a detective novel, draws the reader in, as layer after layer of time and forgetfulness is peeled away to reveal the haunting, threatening, and ultimately tragic legacies that we may carry with us, often unaware. Modiano's semi-autobiographical exploration of his own childhood experiences serves as a powerful meditation on the human condition, the fragility of memory, and the enduring impact of our choices.

Through the eyes of the protagonist, Jean Bosmans, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges the boundaries between past and present, reality and perception. The novel's evocative and atmospheric style, masterfully captured in Polizzotti's translation, creates a palpable sense of unease and mystery, keeping the reader hooked and engaged until the very end.

Overall, Scene of the Crime is a compelling and thought-provoking work that solidifies Patrick Modiano's reputation as a master of literary fiction. The novel's exploration of the enigmas of time and memory, combined with its suspenseful and evocative storytelling, make it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and those who appreciate the power of language to illuminate the complexities of the human experience.

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