Among the games people play, that between husband and wife whose affection has turned to hate can be most extraordinary. In his latest novel, Simenon explores such a relationship.
Emile and Marguerite, both widowed, married each other eight years earlier, in a desperate need for companionship. At the opening of the novel, they have reached a climax of mutual hate. They share nothing any more, neither bed, nor board, nor even conversation. The specters of cat and parrot stand between them.
With his accustomed mastery, Simenon reveals the circumstances that led first to their union and gradually to the devastation of it. Astonishingly, he also reveals the strength of the bond that unites them. They are frightened of each other, suspicious, mean, and vindictive, but they cannot separate. In the mute dialogue that goes on, perfectly understood, between the couple, they stay related; hate is shown to be a substitute for love, and as binding as love. This again is a major psychological novel by a master oft he genre.
