We Cannot Know People Fully Until They Are Put to the Test

Irene Nemirovsky illustrates the consistent theme that the true nature of people comes through in the heart of extreme stress, trauma or disaster. We may return to our normal state, changed only slightly by a traumatic experience or, perhaps, forever changed, but at a moment of extreme challenge, our true colors emerge.

Each character is faced at some point with something that pushes their self-imposed reserve or limitations. Madame Pericand, whose demeanor is friendly, generous and saintly, quickly and severely scolds her daughters and sends them inside when she realizes that a food shortage may occur. Her daughters have been, with her encouragement, sharing chocolate with other children. Madame Pericand also, in her haste and fear for her children's lives and her own, actually forgets to take her elderly father-in-law with her, accidentally leaving him to die...