Henri Comte de Paris (1908–1999)

I just finished this book, and as I wasn't able to add it to Goodreads, I'll review it here.
The book is a combination of letters and conversations that spans a period of almost 20 years (17 to be précis) between the Count of Paris and General de Gaulle. It's interesting to see how their relation started out with a mutual interest and respect in 1953 to more unequal once Charles de Gaulle became president, and at the end had drained out into an exchange of pleasantries. It gives a rare insight into the thoughts of these giants, in the period when a lot was at stake. In a period after the war, when France had to rebuild itself, find its way in the world, and let go of its empire. In that regard, the first part of the book is the most interesting. Once de Gaule decides to rerun for president, and crushes the hopes of the Prince to ever become the King, the tone of the letters and conversations changes. It might be as a result of his disappointment, but it might as much be because he saw the rising distrust in the General, that the Count of Paris warns his friend of the way his government is splitting the French more than ever before.

There are however letters missing, and one have to ask oneself what more is added afterward in the dialogues (like how would the author remember these conversations in details 10-15 years later?). And of those conversations that lasted 1,5-3 hours (taking account of average speech speed) only a small past is covered. One has to ask why the author chooses to share or only remember these pieces.… (altro)