Georges Simenon // The Nightclub
New York, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1979
First U.S. Edition, Signed by the Author (dated 1983)
Translation from the French (1946 French Title: “L’Âne Rouge”) by Jean Stewart.
It is one of the psychological novels Simenon (1903-1989) wrote, or ‘roman durs (“hard”)’ as he used to qualify his non-Maigret stories, which he found them hard to write.
The book is about a young journalist who becomes entangled in the seedy nightlife of a club called "The Red Donkey" and falls into a downward spiral of debt and crime, exploring themes of futility and desperation. The story follows Jean Cholet as he gets involved with the club's singer, Lulu, and a manager, Speelman, leading him to commit crimes like stealing identity papers.
Like in many other books Simenon wrote, “The Night Club” contains many details from Simenon’s own life: the provincial Belgian city, the unbending mother, the night life and the sentimental involvement with a club singer (Joséphine Baker!), the profession of the main character etc.
A fine copy, with a dust jacket in near-fine condition designed by Jack Ribik.
Have questions? Feel free to contact us about additional photos, shipping, or other inquiries - we're happy to help!