Positives Readers praise this memoir for its depiction of Charles de Gaulle's unwavering commitment to restoring France's honor and its place as a major world power after the war. The book highlights his success in securing France a seat at key international conferences and in the United Nations Security Council, as well as its status as an occupying power in defeated Germany. Reviewers acknowledge his undeniable diplomatic skill and profound, exclusive love for his country, for which he dedicated everything. The memoir also offers interesting and passionate passages, including vivid insights into the personalities of the era, and reveals de Gaulle's visionary political thinking, particularly regarding the need for a strong government. For those who appreciate it, the book is noted for its precise, lucid, and epic writing style.
Negatives However, the memoir also reveals aspects that some readers found challenging or negative. De Gaulle is often portrayed as a prima donna, prone to peevishness and an obsession with protocol, leading to sulking over perceived slights, many of which appear imagined. Critics point to his exaggerated view of how the world admired France and his rose-tinted perspective on colonial ambitions, particularly concerning regions like Indochina and the Middle East, where he seemed blind to France's own imperialistic designs. His approach to defeated nations, like Germany, is noted as being rooted in 19th-century thinking. The writing style, while precise, can be seen as somewhat precious, pedantic, and dense in places, with a naturally self-glorifying tone that some reviewers found off-putting. Additionally, some of his retrospective claims about historical events are regarded as unrealistic.
Conclusion In conclusion, this memoir stands as a fascinating and important historical document, offering deep insight into Charles de Gaulle and the critical post-war period it covers. While it provides a unique perspective on France's resurgence and the complexities of international relations at the time, its readability and style elicit mixed reactions. Ultimately, the book is most likely to be appreciated by readers with a keen interest in de Gaulle himself, the history of France and Europe during the mid-20th century, or those who specifically value a precise, epic, and somewhat formal literary style. Those seeking a light or universally engaging read, or who are sensitive to a self-aggrandizing tone, might find it less appealing.
