Anne Berest’s ”The Postcard” is a multi-layered narrative that interweaves a contemporary mystery with the poignant history of a Jewish family during the Holocaust. The novel opens with a puzzling event: the arrival of an old postcard depicting the Garnier Opera House, addressed to the author’s mother, Lélia. On the back are four names: Ephraïm, Emma, Noémie, and Jacques – the names of Lélia’s maternal grandparents, aunt, and uncle. This unexpected missive triggers a quest for answers, propelling Anne and her mother on a journey into the past to uncover the fate of their ancestors. The postcard serves as a tangible link to a history shrouded in silence, prompting Lélia to finally confront the painful memories she has long suppressed. This initial mystery sets the stage for a broader exploration of memory, loss, and the enduring impact of historical trauma on subsequent generations.
The novel unfolds on multiple timelines, shifting between the present-day investigation and the past lives of the Rabinovitch family. Anne, acting as both daughter and investigator, persistently encourages her mother to delve into the family archives, unearthing letters, documents, and photographs that gradually illuminate the lives of her ancestors. We learn of Myriam, Anne’s grandmother and the central figure of the family’s story, who was born in Moscow in 1919. The Rabinovitch family, driven by the rising tide of antisemitism, embarked on a peripatetic existence, moving from Riga to Palestine and finally settling in Paris in the mid-1930s. As the political climate in Europe darkens, the family finds themselves increasingly vulnerable, foreshadowing the horrors that await them. The narrative skillfully portrays the growing sense of dread and uncertainty that permeated the lives of Jewish families during this period.
Berest’s narrative doesn’t shy away from depicting the escalating persecution faced by Jews in France under the Vichy regime. The family witnesses firsthand the rising tide of antisemitism, from the public assault of Léon Blum to the virulent writings of Céline. As the Nazi occupation tightens its grip, the Rabinovitch family faces the grim reality of their situation, forced to confront the ever-present threat of deportation and extermination. The novel meticulously recreates the atmosphere of fear and desperation that engulfed Jewish communities during this period, emphasizing the constant threat of violence and the agonizing choices families were forced to make. The narrative power of these sections lies in their unflinching portrayal of the systematic dehumanization and persecution inflicted upon the Jewish population.
As the family’s story unfolds, the narrative shifts between documented facts and imagined scenes, particularly when describing the horrors of the ghettos and concentration camps. While much of the family’s history is meticulously pieced together from letters and official records, Berest uses her literary license to fill in the gaps where documentation is lacking. This allows her to create a more complete picture of the family’s experience, albeit one infused with the inevitable sorrow and speculation surrounding their final days. The novel acknowledges the limitations of historical records and the impossibility of fully comprehending the scale of suffering endured within the camps.
Parallel to the family’s tragic story, the novel also explores the French Resistance movement, offering a nuanced portrayal of the individuals who risked their lives to fight against Nazi oppression. We are introduced to Myriam’s first husband, Vicente Picabia, and his family, who were actively involved in the Resistance. This thread of the narrative introduces a cast of notable figures, including Samuel Beckett, Nathalie Sarraute, and René Char, who worked alongside Jean Moulin to protect and shelter those targeted by the Nazis, including Myriam, the sole survivor of the Rabinovitch family. These sections provide valuable insight into the complexities of the Resistance, highlighting the courage and resilience of those who fought for freedom and justice in the face of overwhelming odds.
The novel culminates in the surprising resolution of the postcard mystery, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring power of memory and the importance of preserving family history. The journey undertaken by Anne and Lélia transcends the simple act of solving a puzzle; it becomes a profound exploration of their family’s legacy and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. While the novel has been criticized for its uneven literary style, its emotional impact is undeniable. ”The Postcard” is ultimately a story of survival, loss, and the enduring quest to understand the past. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the victims of the Holocaust and of confronting the dark chapters of history to prevent their recurrence. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to weave together personal and historical narratives, creating a compelling tapestry of memory, resilience, and the enduring search for truth.
