Memoir of an Only Child: A French Youth’s Feelings on Life, War, and Love Between 1939 and 1969

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I never really felt the war. It’s normal for a child. I sensed things weren’t normal, like when we’d go out with my dad… But you know, kids they don’t really care! It was during the war, but I lived in my child’s world. I was between 5 and 10 years old.

Michel Gervais shares his own child’s perspective of the war in occupied France, the liberation, and living in the devastated town of Modane near the Italian border. We follow his adventures as an intern in Chambery, Lyon, and Paris. He recounts his military service at France’s Saumur cavalry academy and his assignment during the Algerian conflict. We learn how this young Frenchman met a beautiful American woman at the bar of the Ile de France one of the last great transatlantic cruise ships; and how she became, after several twists and turns, the love of his life.

Illustrated with the author’s original photography, as well as other pictures and illustrations of the day.

Also available in French under the title: Memoire d'un fils unique.