****The Widow by Georges Simenon

 

This was my first novel, of memory, from Georges Simenon’s vast collection. It did not disappoint. Think of Zola’s, Therese Raquin, or Camus’, The Stranger, and you will find apt comparisons. Simenon’s narrative is tense. It builds gradually and feels like it will fracture at any moment but does not until the last pages. His technique is concise. He uses words sparingly, but eloquently and the reader is effectively mesmerized. I truly enjoyed, The Widow and look forward to exploring many more novels by this prolific writer.