The Foundling Boy, By Michel Deon: Book review

Originally published in France in 1975, this is only the author's second book to be translated into English, perhaps surprising as this nonagenarian and Academie Francaise immortel has over 50 more books to his name.

This vivid portrait of the inter-war years opens in 1919 when a baby boy is found abandoned outside the house of Albert and Jeanne Arnaud. Raised by the Arnauds, Jean also attracts the attention of a family of local landowners.

Life begins, however, when he strikes out on his own. Julian Evans's robust translation does justice to Deon's classic period piece.