I loved this compelling early work of Nerimovsky. Intricate yet entirely accessible, this is the study of a love affair between the two protagonists; Denise the bored, pretty rich wife leading a life of idle luxury, and Yves, left impoverished and emotionally scarred from his experiences in WW1. Their intense relationship is doomed to failure due to the irreconcilable differences in their personalities and social positions. While this short novel is not as ambitious in scope as Suite Francaise or her other later works, it withstands comparison, and the combination of a compelling story and devastating examination of fallible human characters make this novel a highly recommended read.

I was unable to put this book down from the moment I opened it. It is a truly magical love story that will have you hooked from the very beginning. I've already recommended this book to several of my friends, in the hope they find it as brilliant as I did. This book definitely deserves 10 out of 10!

Enjoyed reading The Misunderstanding. Irene Nemirovsky wrote the book when she was 21 years old, but this is hardly noticeable as she describes and lets the reader go through the feeling of two adults, who have their own responsibilities, but can't ignore the connection they have. Starting after the Great War in Hendaye - due to the description a place you want to visit and see yourself - with Yves and Denise, whose relationship start with indifference to a captivating love affair. After leaving the bubble, Paris offers a setting for Misunderstandings. Beautifully written, placed in Paris and offers a mix of romance, complications. Ideal for a late summer read!

Interesting that this novel by Irene Nemirovsky, her first to be written, is now re-published 6 years after 'Suite Francaise'. In a sense this allows us to view her work 'in reverse', like a film where events are shown backwards. Whilst early passages share all the youthful exuberance and intensity of novels like 'Bonjour Tristesse', the narrative is undercut by the sense of foreboding that defines all of Nemirovsky's books. As Sandra Smith explains in her introduction, 'Le Malentendu' presents a challenge to the translator as it has a variety of meanings. I am struck by Nemirovsky's ability to present these in such spare prose, whilst shifting point of view between the man and woman. Yves' perspective is ironic; he agonises over his lack of money, not the fact that he is engaged in an affair with a married woman. Ultimately I see Nemirovsky as not a political writer, but a moral writer. She seems to 'nail' people, reaching the heart of what it is to be human.

Yet another wonderful translation of an Irene Nemirovsky novel. It’s hard to believe this is Nemirovsky’s first novel, written when she was only 21, such is the sophistication of the writing. The Misunderstanding depicts the timeless experience of an affair but one which is firmly rooted in the inter-war period in France. Nemirovsky’s controlled prose guides us through the vast spectrum of emotions experienced by both Denise and Yves; from the promise and romance of their meeting in an idyllic holiday setting, to the disintegration of their relationship in the face of the stress and strain of everyday life. We see the misunderstandings build up between Denise and Yves, not only over the emotional demands each makes of the other but also over their incompatible post-war lifestyles, wealth and class, ultimately reflecting the wider fissures in 1920s French society. A superb novella and a great introduction to Nemirovsky’s work.