The Life of a Simple Man

Rating:
Summary: A rare 19th century French gem.
Review: Few "peasants" in 19th century France ever learned to read and write, let alone went on to write a novel. Yet, this is exactly what occurred when Emile Guillaumin sat down to write "The Life of a Simple Man." This poignant tale, set in the early 1800's, follows the life of a man beset by poverty, hardship, and the caprice of the landed classes. What shows through, however, is the strength of character, the determination, and the simple wisdom of a people who built the French nation. A wonderful, literate read that I highly recommend to anyone interested in this period or in the autobiographical experiences of a people whose voice is only rarely heard.

Rating:
Summary: An enlightening piece of work for today's world.
Review: The life of a simple man not only gives us an inside look into the life of the peasants of the 1800's in France and of its overall history, but it also allows us to look further towards the future where other nations are now heading. It not only recounts history, it foresees the history of others; the path that they are yet to walk. Of tremenduous value for me has been the parallel found between the France of those years and the Latin America of today. Having traveled extensively in the latter, I have learned that Latin America is for the most part 200 years behind if compared with the France described in this book. More interesting than that is the fact that despite distances and differences in cultures, we are so much more alike than we give credit. I wonder how many Tienons there are in Latin America today relieving the life of this metayer. I am thankful I was able to read this book prior to my traveling back to these countries because it has allowed me to look at my own culture in a different light and I can even somehow look forward towards the place they are heading. Great Reading!