A last book

Chapter 2: Arrest

Irène Némirovsky is arrested at her home in Issy-l'Évêque on Monday, July 13, 1942, at 10 o'clock in the morning, by the French gendarmerie, and taken to the station of Toulon-sur-Arroux, from where she writes a short note to her husband: « My dear love [...] Above all, be calm, I am convinced that it will not be very long. [... ] I cover my beloved daughters with kisses, may my Denise be reasonable and wise... I hold you on my heart as well as Babet, may God protect you. For me, I feel calm and strong.

Certificate of arrest of Irène Némirovsky, signed by the mayor of Issy-l'Évêque, 26 March 1945.
© Fonds Irène Némirovsky/ IMEC

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