1983 Summary

In this short chapter, which focuses solely on December of 1983, Ernaux describes the physical and mental changes in her mother: the woman who sits with her mouth open, who lifts her legs and bends her knees in an exaggerated fashion when she steps onto carpet, who puts on two bras, and who cannot remember either her age or her son-in-law. Ernaux notes that her stomach hurts, and that she feels more indifferent toward her mother than she feels angry about her loss of memory. Annie's mother wants to get a new handbag and buys the most expensive black leather bag she sees because she says it will be her last one. She also buys a dress and a cardigan and laughs as she walks along with her daughter, which causes the sales clerks to be embarrassed.

1983 Analysis

Two themes are apparent in this early chapter...