Summary of The Safe House
In “The Safe House”, Christophe Boltanski tells the story of his family throughout the 20th century. The Parisian house where they lived and where he spent his youth plays a central role in the book. This house served as their refuge, particularly during the Second World War, when his Jewish grandfather managed to survive in a secret hideout.
Reasons to read: The Safe House
“The Safe House” is a mosaic of stories, recounting 20th-century French history through the lens of an eccentric and reclusive intellectual family. The book is cleverly structured around the family mansion, with each chapter corresponding to one of its rooms. Christophe Boltanski, a celebrated French writer and journalist, was awarded the Prix Femina in 2015 for this remarkable book.
Setting: Paris (France)
“The Safe House” is set in Paris, Rue de Grenelle 103, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood; this street is also the setting for Muriel Barbery’s novel “The Elegance of the Hedgehog”.
Original title: La cache
Year of publication: 2015
Nr of pages: 240
