Publication Date May 14, 2024

Many years ago, I read Claire Messud’s book “The Woman Upstairs.” I don’t remember much about it except that it was wonderful. I was happy to receive a copy of Ms Messud’s new novel “This Strange Eventful History” from W.W. Norton and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Spoiler alert: Messud is a terrific storyteller and her writing ability is incredible.

This is an expansive family saga as well as a lesson about the history of Algeria. The story of the Cassar family is told over seven generations, and covering several geographic areas. In 1945, right after World War II, there was a massacre that was a turning point in the relationship between Algeria and France (which had invaded Algeria in 1830. The massacre marked the beginning of the war for Algerian Independence, which concluded in 1962. After Independence, the Cassar family is without a homeland, They were separated during the chaos of the War, and the family history is covered in a beautifully written style.

Gaston and his wife Lucienne have what might look like a perfect love/marriage, but it is stifling to their children Denise and Francois. Francois has his own complicated relationship with a woman named Barbara who is so totally different from his family, they can barely communicate. Their daughter Chloe thinks that telling the long-silenced family stories will make the family heal. Along the way, as the family struggles with many things, we see them move from Algeria to what is now Macedonia, then France, Australia, Switzerland, Toronto, and the U.S.

The events are inspired by (possible a retelling of?) Messud’s own family stories. It’s a treat to read – I love books that entertain me while teaching me about things I never knew. (In this way it reminds me of J. Lahiri’s Low Country). Five stars!