A few months after my last novel came out, i stopped writing. Based on a true story is a remarkable novel that dismantles the definitive lines between fact and fiction, producing a story that is truly alive, harrowing, and quite simply incredible. Her novel, translated by george miller, tells the story of the relationship between her protagonist, struggling writer delphine, and a woman, l. Based on a true story, published in french about three years ago, sold half a million copies, inspired a film by roman polanski, won several prizes, and purportedly became an international sensation.
This leads me to the following three interpretations of the book. A taut, ferocious psychological thriller, it combines the masterful plotting of the talented mr ripley with the manipulative malice of notes on a scandal. In based on a true story, translated by george miller, delphine tells of her inability to write for three years, culminating in defeat by shopping lists and panic at word documents. Overwhelmed by the huge success of her latest novel, ex. Based on a true story is a sophisticated piece of literary fiction which takes the best of obsessed stalker thrillers like stephen kings misery which is quoted in the book as well and refines it into an intelligently crafted book about the process of writing. The french author toys with the reader while blurring memoir and fiction and eventually arriving at a gripping thriller. Already a runaway bestseller in its native france, based on a true story is unlike anything else you are likely to read this year. The international sensation that sold half a million copies in france and the subject of a new film by roman polanski.
Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Whether youve loved the book or not, if you give your honest and detailed thoughts then people will find new books that are right for them. Based on a true story wont take hold of you popmatters. Based on a true story is a chilling novel of suspense that will leave you questioning the truth and its significance long after the final minute. But i should make it clear that in this case it is most definitely the story rather than the writing quality that was my issue. Her previous book a fictionalised account of her mothers. When based on a true story opens, delphine is teetering on the edge of collapse. Based on a true story kindle edition by vigan, delphine. Translated from french by george miller, the book is selfcontemplative and autobiographical, but written with all the poetic gestures of great literature. It is about a middleaged parisian author, delphine, who is befriended by a woman known throughout only as l. Though she admitted that much of the book was based on her family history, she. Everyday low prices on a huge range of new releases and classic fiction. Delphines inability to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and l. Delphine is the author of a highly personal novel about her mother, which has become a bestseller.
It provides a thorough exploration of the novels plot, characters and main themes, including writing, manipulation and the boundary between fiction and reality. There are multiple levels on which to enjoy roman polanskis based on a true story dapres une histoire vraie, none of them very deep or complicated. If a novel is based on a true story, does that mean it mirrors reality or replicates its every detail, every twist and turn, wink and word. As she tries to write another book, shes overcome with impenetrable writers block and is tormented by anonymous letters criticizing her for supposedly selling out her family in exchange for success. A powerful novel of suspense that may or may not be based on truth. The international hit that sold half a million copies in france. Unlock the more straightforward side of based on a true story with this concise and insightful summary and analysis. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading based on a true story. Other readers will always be interested in your opinion of the books youve read. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
Combining elements of a blockbuster thriller with a sophisticated literary debate, based on a true story is a fiendishly smart piece of writing. On the other hand, there are aspects of it which i really did enjoy. She masterfully blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Based on a true story is a chilling novel of suspense that will leave you questioning the truth and its significance. Based on a true story is a chilling novel of suspense that will leave you questioning the truth and its significance long after you have turned the final page. In based on a true story, delphine emmanuelle seigner is a writer whos just published a hugely successful and highly personal novel.