In the short, Chekhovian-tinged novel Autumn Flies, the author portrays the decline of the Russian Karin family, whose world collapses in the heat of the revolution. Fleeing the Bolsheviks, the Karins take refuge in France, leaving only their old faithful nanny, Tatyana Ivanovna, in the family mansion. Eventually, she too follows in their footsteps and leaves the home that the Bolshevik regime has destroyed for good.
Irène Némirovsky narrates sensitively but without exaggerated pathos the story of people experiencing the end of an era and the pain of losing their home and their loved ones. The scope of the book is a reminder that a powerful effect can be achieved with few words. Indeed, the only criticism of the novel is that it is read so quickly. Probably in one sitting.
