‘Quite outstanding, full of beauty, pain and truth’ Daily Telegraph In June 1940 France fell to the Nazis. The effect of this event on the lives of ordinary Parisians and the inhabitants of a small rural community under occupation are brilliantly explored in Irène Némirovsky’s heartbreaking novel. A tragic victim of the Nazi regime, Némirovsky left behind this masterpiece in which she conjures up a vivid cast of characters, thrown together in ways they never expected. Amidst the mess of defeat, true nobility and love exist, but often in surprising places. It’s Vintage’s 21st birthday and we’re celebrating by publishing twenty-one of our most iconic books in a rainbow of beautiful colours. Treat yourself and make your bookshelves happy.