Summary of Pure
“Pure” is a historical novel set in pre-revolutionary Paris. The protagonist, Jean-Baptiste, is a young engineer tasked with clearing the cemetery of ‘Les Innocents’ in the impoverished Parisian district of ‘Les Halles’ (now the ‘Place Joachim-du-Bellay’). His urban improvement project is met with both resistance and support from the local population.
Reasons to read Pure
“Pure” is a compelling historical novel, set in Paris, with the looming French Revolution casting a shadow over the story. Andrew Miller, an acclaimed English writer, is best known for his novel “Ingenious Pain”, which won the 1997 James Tait Black Memorial Award for Fiction, the 1999 International Dublin Literary Award, and the 1999 Italian Cavour Prize. His novel “Pure” was awarded the 2011 Costa Book Award for Novel.
Setting: Paris (France)
Original title: Pure
Year of publication: 2011
Nr of pages: 331
