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Yet there can be no doubt that this was a difficult book to write. Yes, it would have benefited from a more in-depth analysis of her mother's character, but we must remember that it was written in the immediate (and topsy-turvy) aftermath of her mother's death. To create a character in the manner of Henry James would've been impossible. Nevertheless, Ernaux's objective approach doesn't allow us to view her mother properly, which is a shame, as she seems like a really prickly and interesting woman. Ultimately, though, Ernaux should be applauded, because the last fifteen pages, which document her mother's slide into Alzheimer's, are a sad and poignant account of a terrible disease. And Ernaux should take credit for that, for her book allows her mother's life to transcend its alarming end. In fact, it really does help bring her back into the world.

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