The Great Swindle (Paris between-the-wars) - Softcover

Pierre Lemaitre was born in Paris in 1956. He worked for many years as a teacher of literature and now devotes his time to writing novels and screenplays. In 2013 he was awarded the Prix Goncourt, France's most prestigious literary award, for Au Revoir Là-Haut.
Frank Wynne is a translator from French and Spanish. His translations include works by Michel Houellebecq, Marcelo Figueras's IFFP-shortlisted Kamchatka, and the Commandant Camille Verhoeven trilogy (Alex, Irène, and Camille), by Pierre Lemaitre.

Winner of the Prix Goncourt

Winner the International Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel

"Mr. Lemaitre's background in crime fiction shows through in the intricate plotting and suspenseful pacing of The Great Swindle, which at times reads like a thriller. Its characters harbor so many secrets that part of the enjoyment in the book comes from seeing how the author plans to disentangle them."―Sarah Lyall, The New York Times

"Lemaitre's tale is carefully researched, and most of the story's value lies in its historical authenticity....the battlefield and hospital scenes convey Lemaitre's mastery of imagery."―Kirkus Reviews

"[An] assured, somber exploration of post-WWI French society...Lemaitre captures the venal capitalism of the postwar period...Despite his unscrupulous scheme, Édouard proves impossible to dislike. His determination to play a great trick on the society that betrayed him is infectious, and readers cannot help rooting for his plans as they reach their dark, bizarrely joyous fruition."―Publishers Weekly

"A fast-paced tale, filled with twists and turns, following a mischievous, disillusioned view of post-war France."
―Astrid de Larminat, Figaro


"A masterly epic of post-war France, where impostures triumph and capitalists grow rich from the ruins."
―Macha Séry, Le Monde


"You feel the author's indignation . . . Who really profits from war? Crooks, the vengeful, and frauds. The Great Swindle is political as much as it is picaresque."
―Christine Ferniot, Telerama


"A dark, burning requiem delivered in glorious prose that is as tough and effective as a punch in the face . . . It will leave you stunned."
―François Busnel, Express


"Its themes connect elegantly with its action . . . a striking critique of a grieving nation's desire to prettify its past."
―Times Literary Supplement


"Pierre Lemaitre breaks the elitist mould with passion, clarity, and originality . . . moving, angry, intelligent--and compelling."
―Marcel Berlins, The Times


"You'll be horrified and angered, yet often amused at this clever look at war's aftermath."
―Weekend Sport