FINISHED READING - The Snow Was Dirty by George Simenon

Simenon, sets this bleak novel in Nazi occupied France. Its a cold, seemingly unending Winter, in a low life, run down part of a town, It's a harsh neighbourhood and life that Frank Friedmaier inhabits. Though Frank is an amoral man, accustomed to using people entirely for his own needs. Even his Mother knows he's not someone she can always feel proud of. But then she did bring him up in an unlicensed brothel. With no apparent filter on his behaviour, he's set on murdering someone, for no other reason than the reputation he might create through executing it.

He starts up a relationship with Sissy, because he's curious about her Father Holst. She doesn't realise she's being set up for Kromer, Frank's gangster buddy, whose obsessed with deflowering virgins. Even Frank has qualms about what he is doing, because despite his studied indifference he does care about her. The plan goes horribly wrong. He is found and taken away by an undercover group, who may or may not be the police. 

Half of the remaining novel recounts the weeks of interrogation that follow, where Frank tries to second guess, to delay the time when he knows they are going to kill him. However, they seem more interested in the wads of money in his jacket, than the murders or the facilitating of attempted rape. What is it that they want to know, and could he turn it to his advantage? 

Whilst Simenon is most widely known for creating the insightful detective Maigret. The Snow was Dirty is part of what is known as his 'roman dur' or 'tough' novels, usually centred on a character who is in some way morally adrift. Strongly infused with dread- filled fatalism, these people can not escape whatever is coming their way. The Snow Is Dirty is not a cheery read, but a gripping one. A bit like watching a fatal car crash happen in slow motion, so you observe every minute detail.

CARROT REVIEW - 6/8