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Irene Nemirovsky

57quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Irene Nemirovsky was a Russian-born French novelist, journalist, and writer who used the pen name "Pierre-Louis Olivier Wiesel" for some of her works.

Birth and Death Dates


Irene Nemirovsky was born on October 24, 1903, in Kiev, Ukraine, which at that time belonged to the Russian Empire. She died on January 17, 1942, in Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Nemirovsky held both Russian and French citizenships. Her profession was primarily a novelist, but she also worked as a journalist, contributing articles to prominent publications like _Grasset_ and _La Revue du Caire_. She wrote in multiple languages, including French, Russian, and Polish.

Early Life and Background


Irene Nemirovsky's early life was marked by turmoil. Her family moved frequently due to her father's business commitments. In 1909, they settled in Paris, where Nemirovsky began her education and developed a passion for writing. She published her first novel at the age of 22, marking the beginning of a prolific literary career.

Major Accomplishments


Nemirovsky's writing spanned various genres, including novels, short stories, and memoirs. Some of her notable works include:

"David Golder" (1929): A novel about an aging Jewish merchant's struggle to reconcile his past with the present.
 "All Our Days" (1938): A semi-autobiographical account of Nemirovsky's life, exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.

Notable Works or Actions


Nemirovsky's writing often tackled complex social issues like anti-Semitism, sexism, and the human condition. Her works are characterized by their emotional depth, nuanced characterization, and poignant portrayals of everyday life.

Impact and Legacy


Irene Nemirovsky's legacy extends beyond her literary contributions. As a Jewish writer living in France during World War II, she experienced firsthand the horrors of persecution. Despite these challenges, she continued to write until her death at Auschwitz. Her story serves as a testament to the power of literature in preserving memory and promoting empathy.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Nemirovsky's writing continues to resonate with readers due to its universality and emotional honesty. Her works offer insights into human nature, love, loss, and resilience, making her one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century.

Quotes by Irene Nemirovsky

Irene Nemirovsky's insights on:

Deep within everyone’s heart there always remains a sense of longing for that hour, that summer, that one brief moment of blossoming. For several weeks or months, rarely longer, a beautiful young woman lives outside ordinary life. She is intoxicated. She feels as if she exists beyond time, beyond its laws; she experiences not the monotonous succession of days passing by, but moments of intense, almost desperate happiness.
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Deep within everyone’s heart there always remains a sense of longing for that hour, that summer, that one brief moment of blossoming. For several weeks or months, rarely longer, a beautiful young woman lives outside ordinary life. She is intoxicated. She feels as if she exists beyond time, beyond its laws; she experiences not the monotonous succession of days passing by, but moments of intense, almost desperate happiness.
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Love is just a peculiar, fleeting affair that isn’t very important, but in marriage there is always hostility between two different tribes of human beings. There are two opposing forces, who fight each other until one of them wins, and you and I, my poor old Alain, have been knocked out too easily.
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Love is just a peculiar, fleeting affair that isn’t very important, but in marriage there is always hostility between two different tribes of human beings. There are two opposing forces, who fight each other until one of them wins, and you and I, my poor old Alain, have been knocked out too easily.
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This thing of Beauty is a Guilt forever.
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This thing of Beauty is a Guilt forever.
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He hated the war; it threatened much more than his lifestyle or peace of mind. It continually destroyed the world of the imagination, the only world where he felt happy.
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He hated the war; it threatened much more than his lifestyle or peace of mind. It continually destroyed the world of the imagination, the only world where he felt happy.
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How sad the world is, so beautiful yet so absurd...
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How sad the world is, so beautiful yet so absurd...
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Con lei" pensò Yves, con insolita irritazione "bisognerebbe essere sempre psicologicamente in smoking. E io, ahimè, non posso permettermelo
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Con lei" pensò Yves, con insolita irritazione "bisognerebbe essere sempre psicologicamente in smoking. E io, ahimè, non posso permettermelo
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Quanto bisogna aver vissuto, per poter scoprire tratti umani nei nostri genitori o insegnanti! E, probabilmente, pensava, l'intera esistenza consiste in questo lento cambiamento di prospettiva.
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Quanto bisogna aver vissuto, per poter scoprire tratti umani nei nostri genitori o insegnanti! E, probabilmente, pensava, l'intera esistenza consiste in questo lento cambiamento di prospettiva.
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<>, le rispose cercando di calmarla. <>.
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<>, le rispose cercando di calmarla. <>.
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[I figli] Ci divorano vivi e noi li benediciamo.
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[I figli] Ci divorano vivi e noi li benediciamo.
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Aparțineau acelei clase din marea burghezie franceză care prefera să-și vadă copiii fără pâine, fără carne și aer decât fără diplome...
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Aparțineau acelei clase din marea burghezie franceză care prefera să-și vadă copiii fără pâine, fără carne și aer decât fără diplome...
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