A Challenging but Brilliant Read: Hervé Bazin's 'Stand Up and Walk'

I'd been meaning to dive into French author Hervé Bazin's work for ages, but his books had been collecting dust on my shelf for years. To be honest, I wasn't exactly blown away by his writing style – it seemed too serious, yet not quite substantial enough to be considered a classic. I finally managed to finish 'Stand Up and Walk' on my second attempt. The first time, I only made it through the first 10 pages, and it was like the book was sucking the color out of me – a total blank slate. I rarely give up on books, but this one was different, and I'm still not sure how it happened.

Stand Up and Walk, Hervé Bazin reviews Year of first publication: 1951Original title: Lève-toi et marche

Genre: critical realism

Where to buy: second-hand bookstores

Relevance: The author is definitely out of fashion. You can only find second-hand editions on online marketplaces, and there aren't any new releases. The variety of covers and publication years suggests that the author was quite popular in the second half of the 20th century. There are editions from 1972, 1983, and 1993, but that's it – it's like the author just disappeared.

Occasionally, publishers revive old authors, and suddenly start printing their work again, even if it's not the strongest stuff. That hasn't happened with this author yet. I'm not always sure what logic goes into choosing which authors to revive, and it's not always the most interesting ones that get the spotlight, but I guess that's just how it goes. This author could definitely be reimagined in a stylish cover, and the topics he explores are timeless – he writes in a rich, nuanced style with great taste.

My edition: 1983, published by 'Pravda'. You can still see the price on the back – 3 rubles 10 kopecks. It's a bit worn out, but the condition is still acceptable, and I'm not planning on selling it anytime soon.

First Impressions, Hervé Bazin Reviews My Initial ThoughtsI was immediately struck by the dark humor, which can be a bit off-putting at first.

The writing style is definitely not what you'd expect from a young woman – it's more like a polished, well-educated man or a very unconventional female writer.

To be honest, I got the feeling that the author was trying to show off a bit, and it came across as more like a performance for the reader than a genuine, personal account. I would have preferred a more straightforward approach.

However, there were moments when the author's wit and humor really shone through, and it was almost like they were saying, 'I'm hurting, but I'm laughing about it.' That combination really resonated with me, and before I knew it, I was hooked.

The Story

The plot is heavy, to say the least. The narrative is told from the perspective of a woman with paralyzed legs.

Hervé Bazin Reviews It's not just about her legs, though – Constantia is a complex character in her own right. She's got a fiery personality, she's generous, sensitive, and surprisingly brave. She doesn't ask silly, mawkish questions like 'Why me?' or pretend to be stoic for the sake of it. Her courage is genuine, natural, and effortless. She's like a warm, sunny spirit who doesn't even realize how unique she is. In short, she's captivating and quintessentially French. Roman Polanski once described his wife, Emmanuelle Seigner, as 'a true Frenchwoman – calm, collected, and beautiful.' Constantia has a similar, effortless charm.However, it took me a while to warm up to the protagonist. I found her too clever, too quick-witted, and almost too clever for her own good. That dark humor of hers didn't always sit well with me either. It's a bit like the main character in Amélie – she starts inserting herself into other people's lives, which can be a bit jarring at first.

I'm still reeling from the second half of this book, and it's not just because of the intense plot twists. When I finally emerged from the story, my own life looked dull and unfamiliar, like a stranger's.

I was so invested in the narrative that it took me almost a day to shake off the emotional hangover. I mean, it's not every day you read something that leaves you feeling like you've been punched in the gut.

A Little About the Author and the Book

The phrase 'Lève-toi et marche' – 'Stand up and walk' – is a biblical quote, and it's exactly what Jesus says to the leper he heals.

Stand up and walk, Herve Bazin reviews Author Hervé Bazin's writing is so polished and powerful that I wasn't surprised to learn he was the president of the Goncourt Prize. He's even too literary for my taste – Zola looks like a simple, straightforward writer compared to him...This book is full of charming, witty observations. The way Constantine perceives the world is like a game or a masterful juggling act. She's got a whole arsenal of people and their stories at her disposal, and she uses them with a touching sense of courage. There's something fresh and very French about this. I'm reminded of Amelie's antics, but Constantine's got a much wider scope.

Introduction

I started with Yuri Uvarov's introduction to French literature, a renowned expert. I haven't read it yet, just skimmed through it, but I love expert reviews. I'll re-read it once I've at least gotten familiar with 'A Married Woman' – I think that's the one with the Project Pan heroine!

Get up and go: Hervé Bazin reviews The Verdict

I'll be diving deeper into Bazin's work. This particular book is a real challenge – be warned. As an introduction to the author, I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.

Despite the charm of the heroine, the book just overwhelmed me. I don't want to think about it or re-read it right now.

But the author did catch my attention. Bazin weaves the fabric of someone else's life with remarkable skill, and you can't help but get caught up. Although, you might want to take a step back at first. I put the book back on the shelf with a sense of caution and respect.

The book has a certain dignity and atmosphere of the 20th century, when genuine, heart-wrenching realism was valued, and the idea of fantasy novels flooding bookstores was unimaginable.

My Verdict in a Nutshell: high-class, ruthless literature.

Wishing you all happy new discoveries

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