Seul l'Espoir Apaise la Douleur

"Je ne souhaite jamais de mal aux autres, mais on n'a pas le droit d'oublier"

It is because I listened to the INA podcast that I wanted to read this book with the beautiful title "Only hope soothes pain", a transcription of Simone Veil's testimony concerning her deportation and its aftermath. A more serious and, for me, important book than what I'm used to write about. But after reading it, it felt necessary. 

The title reveals the dignified personality of this woman, who wants the lived reality and realities to be known, out of respect and homage to all those who left their lives there, and so that history can serve future generations, emphasizing the peace obtained between France and Germany in particular, to get out of the humiliation which leads to wars. And the humiliation, she lived it, but her strength is to fight so that peace remains - in particular with Europe -, a worthy descendant of her mother to whom she also pays a magnificent tribute. Let our politicians know how to hear it. 

In May 2006, Simone Veil tells the story of her life in front of the camera. She approaches her peaceful youth in Nice, within a secular family. Very quickly, she evokes the war, the restrictions, and the arrests. Then, she describes the horror of the camps, the cold, the lack of food and sleep, the humiliations, and the nauseating smell of death. An illustration of the moment of life that she shares with her sister and her mother. The latter will not come back from this hell.

Finally, comes the time of liberation. A more complicated return for the deportees. Where France glorifies the resistance fighters but ignores the deportees. A muffled word to be able to rebuild. But how do you rebuild yourself when you experience horror?

For this, Simone Veil will fight for France as a magistrate, Minister of Health, and President of the European Parliament. She will also defend the memory of the Shoah.

A book that made me realize the History I did not live is not so distant and should be learned by everyone. 

A moving and inspiring life path. 

PS : image is from https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fzenitudeprofondelemag.com%2Ftag%2Flivres%2F&psig=AOvVaw2PlPznvkR5whWDvpxEpSSW&ust=1668777847804000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCMDB7oiotfsCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAL