The Great Swindle (Au revoir là-haut) by Pierre Lemaitre

Description

The Great Swindle (Au revoir là-haut) by Pierre Lemaitre is a gripping historical crime novel set in the aftermath of the First World War. As the war draws to an end, Lieutenant Henri d’Aulnay Pradelle deliberately causes the deaths of two of his own soldiers, setting in motion a chain of events that forever changes the lives of Albert Maillard and Édouard Péricourt. Although they survive the final battles, Édouard suffers devastating injuries, and the two men return to a society struggling to rebuild after the destruction of war. Blending historical fiction, crime, suspense, dark humor, and social commentary, Lemaitre explores the consequences of war, greed, betrayal, friendship, and the exploitation of national sacrifice. The novel offers a powerful portrait of postwar France while following an audacious scheme that turns the memory of fallen soldiers into an opportunity for deception and profit. Winner of the Prix Goncourt, The Great Swindle is a compelling and intricately plotted work of historical crime fiction.