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Simenon

The Man, The Books, The Films
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( 18 ratings, 7 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Simenon by Barry Forshaw is an insightful biography that delves into the life and works of the prolific novelist Georges Simenon. Exploring his profound impact on the detective genre and literary landscape, it offers a comprehensive look at his career, personal life, and the creation of the iconic character, Inspector Maigret. The book paints a vivid picture of Simenon's extraordinary talent and complex personality.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in exploring the life and works of one of the most prolific European crime writers. Barry Forshaw's insights provide a captivating look into the artistry, personality, and enduring influence of Georges Simenon, known for his compelling storytelling and complex characters. Perfect for fans of literary biographies who enjoy delving into the minds of iconic authors.

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Georges Simenon was the most successful writer of crime fiction in a language other than English in the modern age, and his detective Maigret is rivalled only by Sherlock Holmes; André Gide called Simenon 'the greatest French novelist of our times'. Barry Forshaw examines the man's extraordinary life and work on both page and screen....

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The legendary Georges Simenon was the most successful and influential writer of crime fiction in a language other than English; André Gide called him 'the greatest French novelist of our times'.

Celebrated crime fiction expert Barry Forshaw's informed and lively study draws together Simenon's extraordinary life and his work on both page and screen. By the time of Simenon's death in 1989, his French detective Maigret had become an institution, rivalled only by Sherlock Holmes. The pipe-smoking Inspector of Police is a quietly spoken observer of human nature who uses the techniques of psychology on those he encounters (both the guilty and the innocent) - with no rush to moral condemnation.

Simenon's non-Maigret standalone books are among the most commanding in the genre, and, as a trenchant picture of French society, his concise novels collectively offer up a fascinating analysis. Moreover, his influence on an army of later crime writers is incalculable.

Alongside his own considerable insights, Barry Forshaw has interviewed people who worked either with Simenon or on his books: publishers, editors, translators, and other specialist writers. He has created a literary prism through which to appreciate one of the most distinctive achievements in the whole of crime fiction.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Barry Forshaw's work offers concise insights into the life and vast literary output of the renowned French-Belgian novelist. It serves as a fitting companion to Pierre Assouline's biography by delving into Simenon's personal life and the cultural impact of his works, particularly the Maigret series and their adaptations. Reviews praise the book for its detailed analysis and lack of hagiographic tendencies, making it a recommended read for those interested in Simenon's literary legacy.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780857304162

Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oldcastle Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Barry Forshaw is one of the UK's leading experts on crime fiction and film. His books include Crime Fiction: A Reader's Guide, Nordic Noir, Italian Cinema, American Noir and British Crime Film. Other work: Sex and Film, British Gothic Cinema, Euro Noir, Historical Noir, BFI War of the Worlds and the Keating Award-winners British Crime Writing Encyclopedia and Brit Noir. He writes for various newspapers, contributes Blu-ray extras, broadcasts, chairs events and edits Crime Time.

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