Part 27 (2/2)
Do you think it applies to a foreigner who, like myself, has lived in France since 1920? Does it apply to political writers or to writers of fiction as well?
In general, you know that I am completely isolated from society and am unaware of all the recently adopted directives regarding the press.
If you think there is something that might be of interest to me, would you be so kind as to let me know. There's also something else. I am again going to ask your help, as I recall how very kind and obliging you are. I would like to know which writers are in Paris and who is being published in the current newspapers. Could you find out if Gringoire Gringoire and and Candide, Candide,*4 as well as the bigger magazines, intend to return to Paris? And what about the publis.h.i.+ng houses? Which ones are open? as well as the bigger magazines, intend to return to Paris? And what about the publis.h.i.+ng houses? Which ones are open?
Irene Nemirovsky to Mlle Le Fur8 September 1940 As far as I am concerned, there are persistent rumours here which lead me to believe that we might be part of the Free Zone one of these days and I wonder how I would then get my monthly payments.
Law on Jewish Residents4 October 1940*5 From the date of the dissemination of this current law, foreign residents of Jewish descent may be interned in special camps by decision of the Prefet Prefet in the department where they reside. in the department where they reside.
All residents of Jewish descent may at any time be forced to live in a specified location by decision of the Prefet Prefet in the department where they reside. in the department where they reside.*6
Irene Nemirovsky to Madeleine Cabour*7 You now know all the problems I have had. What's more, we have been living with a considerable number of these gentlemen for a few days now. This is painful for all sorts of reasons. I am therefore looking forward with great pleasure to the little village you've told me about, but may I ask you for some information.
1How big is Jailly in terms of inhabitants and local retailers? 2Is there a doctor and a pharmacist? 2Is there a doctor and a pharmacist? 3Is it being occupied? 3Is it being occupied? 4Can you get any food, on the whole? Do you have b.u.t.ter and meat? 4Can you get any food, on the whole? Do you have b.u.t.ter and meat?
This is particularly important to me now because of the children, as one of them has just had the operation you know about.
Irene Nemirovsky to Robert Esmenard10 May 1941 Dear Monsieur, you will recall that, according to our agreement, I was meant to have 24,000 francs on 30 June. I do not need this money at the moment, but I admit that the recent laws regarding the Jews make me fear that difficulties might arise by the time this payment is made in six weeks' time, and that would be disastrous for me. I must therefore appeal to your kindness and ask you to bring forward this payment by immediately giving a cheque in that amount to my brother-in-law, Paul Epstein, made payable to him. I have also asked him to telephone you to come to an arrangement about this. Of course, he will sign a receipt to release you fully from your responsibility towards me. It distresses me to have to trouble you yet again but I am sure you will understand the reasons for my concern. I hope you still have excellent news regarding A. Michel.
Irene Nemirovsky to Robert Esmenard17 May 1941 Dear Monsieur Esmenard, my brother-in-law told me that you gave him the 24,000 francs you were to send me on 30 June. Thank you so much for your extreme kindness towards me.
Michel Epstein to the Sous-Prefet of Autun*82 September 1941 I have received a letter from Paris informing me that anyone categorised as Jewish may not leave the village where he resides without permission from the authorities.
I find myself in this situation, along with my wife, since, even though we are Catholics, we are of Jewish descent. I therefore am taking the liberty of requesting that you please authorise my wife, born Irene Nemirovsky, as well as myself, to spend six weeks in Paris where we also have a home, 10 avenue Constant-Coquelin, for the period from 20 September to 5 November 1941.
This request is made as my wife needs to sort out some business with her publisher, visit the ophthalmologist who has always treated her, as well as seeing the doctors who care for us, Professor Vallery-Radot and Professor Delafontaine. We intend to leave our two children, aged four and eleven, in Issy and, of course, we would like to be sure that there will be no problem returning to Issy, once we have attended to our affairs in Paris.
Doctor in Issy: A. Bendit-Gonin.
From the Progres de l'Allier Progres de l'Allier no. 2008 August 1941 no. 2008 August 1941 SOVIET, LITHUANIAN, ESTONIAN AND LATVIAN RESIDENTS ORDERED TO REPORT TO REGIONAL GERMAN HEADQUARTERS.
Every male resident over the age of fifteen of Soviet, Lithuanian, Estonian or Latvian extraction, as well as those who are stateless but who previously held Soviet, Lithuanian, Estonian or Latvian citizens.h.i.+p, are ordered to report in person to their Regional German Headquarters with their ident.i.ty papers no later than Sat.u.r.day 9 August 1941 (noon). Anyone who does not report in person will be penalised according to the decree concerning this order.
The Field Commandant.
Irene Nemirovsky to Robert Esmenard9 September 1941 I have finally rented the house I wanted here, which is comfortable and has a lovely garden. I am moving in on 11 November if these Gentlemen don't get there first for we are once again expecting them.
Irene Nemirovsky to Robert Esmenard13 October 1941 I was happy to receive your letter this morning, not just because it confirms my hope that you will do everything possible to help me, but also because it rea.s.sures me that someone is thinking about me, which is a great comfort.
As you can imagine, life here is very sad, and if it weren't for my work . . . Even the work becomes painful when the future is so uncertain . . .
Irene Nemirovsky to Andre Sabatier*914 October 1941 My dear friend, I was very touched by your kind letter. Please do not think that I underestimate either your friends.h.i.+p or M. Esmenard's; on the other hand, I perfectly understand the difficulties of the situation. Up until now, I have shown as much patience and courage as I could possibly muster. But, what can you do, there are moments which are very difficult. These are the facts: impossible to work and must be responsible for four people's lives. Added to that are stupid humiliations-I cannot go to Paris; I cannot have even the most basic necessities sent here, such as blankets, beds for the children etc., my books. A general and absolute prohibition has been declared regarding the apartments inhabited by people like me. I'm not telling you this to make you feel sorry for me, but to explain to you why my thoughts can only be dark [. . .]
Robert Esmenard to Irene Nemirovsky27 October 1941 I have explained your situation to my father-in-law and have also shown him the letters you recently sent me.
As I have told you, A. Michel only wishes to be of service to you in any way possible and he has asked me to offer you a monthly payment of 3,000 francs for the year 1942 which is the same amount he was sending you when it was still possible to publish your works and sell them regularly. Please be so kind as to confirm your agreement.
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