“Never forget that the war will be over and that the entire historical side will fade away. Try to create as much as possible: things, debates…that will interest people in 1952 or 2052. Reread Tolstoy. Inimitable descriptions but not historical. Insist on that.” – Irène Némirovsky’s notes to herself, June 2, 1942
In a way, this sentiment of Irène’s speaks to our challenges in history museums when we design exhibitions. How do we find a way for visitors to make connections to their own lives while still being true to the history we’re presenting? It’s about finding the universal in the particular, and exploring the role of the individual in the larger context of society. Take this opportunity to think about how this works for you (or doesn’t) in Suite Française, or in our exhibition.
What a grand world, indeed a grand life when the possibility exists to leave behind so much for the sake of love and posterity. I am enchanted and inspired by Irene Nemirovsky’s work and legacy. She has left me feeling supremely grateful for this life I have been given.
I am interested in the jacket cover of the Alfred Knopf edition
of Suite Francaise. I would like to contatct Denise Epstein regarding
the book’s jacket cover and the two persons there.
The man is my uncle. The lady is his fiance. His name is
Alfred Fritz of Vienna, Austria, resistance fighter, hero, shot
in Mauthausen camp March 1945.
Please I must contact Ms. Epstein.
I am a freshman in high school and I came here today because of a school assignment. At first when i found out i had to come here, I was excited at the fact that i could finally see znother Holocost museum, not knowing it was here in the city. But i was absolutley blown away, i had no idea it was going to be so intersesting. I cannot believe what an amzing writer Irene Nemirovsky was, although i am a little bit shocked at the fact that even though she converted to catholism she remains to be celebrated at a Jewish Heritage museum. I understand that she was desperate to save herself and her family, but my grandfather was also sent to Auschwitz and went on the infamous walk portrayed in Ellie Weizel’s novel Night, and he was still proud to be a jew. He did not cower and try to change his religion like Ms. Nemirovsky.
But then again, i am still proud that, born a jew, she was such a good writer and mother.
Dear Ruth Zitron,
For information about the jacket cover photo, it comes from a French photo agency called Roger Viollet (French equivalient of Hulton photo agency) and the caption on the website states simply that the photograph is August 25, 1939 and shows soldiers mobilized at the East Station (Gare de l’Est, I assume), Paris. It was licensed to Chatto & Windus UK by their English sister agency Topfoto.
I hope that helps.