While the subject was very interesting (and well researched!), this book could have benefited from being three times as long. If, as a reader, you do not have in-depth knowledge about the literary circles of French Algeria in the 20th century, you will find yourself bombarded with names you most likely won't be able to retain or associate with any character traits. This makes the story feel a bit flat and like a list of historical facts, pressed into an ill-fitting fiction corset. Nonetheless, I am so happy that this book exists and that the story of Edmond Charlot has been preserved in this way. Also, for what it's worth, the book itself is beautiful and I will be happy to keep it in my collection.