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Promise at Dawn

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In "Promise at Dawn" by Romain Gary, the author pays a heartfelt tribute to his mother, a remarkable woman who shaped him into the man and artist he became. Despite facing challenges and hardships, Gary's mother envisioned a bright future for him in France and dedicated herself to ensuring his success. The memoir recounts their journey from poverty in Russia to eventual triumphs in France, highlighting the unwavering bond between mother and son and the influence of a mother's love on shaping one's destiny.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by engaging, humorous prose that balances poignant moments with irony and a rich, descriptive narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around the author's memoir, detailing the profound impact of his mother on his life while navigating their journey from Russia to France and his coming of age.

Setting:

The setting encompasses various locations, primarily from Russia to France, capturing the emotional and historical contexts that shape the author's life.

Pacing:

The pacing of the memoir is varied, with reflective, slower sections contrasted by faster, action-driven narratives during critical life events.
It is over. The beach at Big Sur is empty and cool and the gentle sand is kind to the fallen. The sea mist blurs all things except memories; between ocean and sky not a mast to be seen; on a rock befo...

Notes:

Promise at Dawn is a memoir by Romain Gary, praised as one of the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
Romain Gary was of Jewish and Russian descent and became a French citizen.
He grew up without knowing his father and was raised solely by his mother, who was fiercely dedicated to him.
The book opens with a glimpse of the ending, leaving readers curious about the journey.
Gary introduces four 'gods': Stupidity, Absolute Truth, Mediocrity, and Acceptance and Servility.
He discusses the influence of his mother's love on his adult relationships and aspirations.
Gary rejects the idea of having an Oedipus complex, criticizing psychoanalysts as exploitative.
His mother had specific plans for his life, from becoming an artist to joining the air force, which he partially fulfilled.
He served in WW II, starting as a private and eventually becoming an officer, earning a decoration from General de Gaulle.
Gary had a deep appreciation for life and animals, often feeling that his achievements were driven by his mother's aspirations.
The memoir not only reflects on his mother's influence but also explores themes of love, sacrifice, and identity.
Gary wrote with humor and poignancy, despite the backdrop of sadness in his life.
His mother fought against many odds to fulfill her dream of a better life in France, a theme central to the memoir.
Romain Gary is notable for being the only writer to win the Prix Goncourt twice, a prestigious French literary award.
The memoir captures the struggle between the pressures of expectation and the quest for personal identity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of emotional abuse, the impact of war, and references to mental health struggles.

From The Publisher:

'You will be a great hero, a general, Gabriele d'Annunzio, Ambassador of France!'

For his whole life, Romain Gary's fierce, eccentric motherhad only one aim: to make her son a great man. And she did. This, his thrilling, wildly romantic autobiography, is the story of his journey from poverty in Eastern Europe to the sensual world of the Côte d'Azur and on to wartime pilot, resistance hero, diplomat, filmmaker, star and one of the most famed French writers of his age.

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About the Author:

Romain Gary was one of the most important French writers of the 20th century. He won the once-in-a-lifetime honour the Prix Goncourt twice, the only person ever to have done so, by writing under a secret nom de plume. He was married to the American actress Jean Seberg and served in the RAF during WW2. He died in Paris in 1980 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, shortly after completing this haunting last work.

 
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