About the book
Winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature
Originally published in 1977, Do What They Say or Else is the second novel by French author Annie Ernaux. Set in a small town in Normandy, France, the novel tells the story of a fifteen-year-old girl named Anne, who lives with her working-class parents. The story, which takes place during the summer and fall of Anne’s transition from middle school to high school, is narrated in a stream-of-consciousness style from her point of view. Ernaux captures Anne’s adolescent voice, through which she expresses her keen observations in a highly colloquial style.
As the novel progresses and Anne’s feelings about her parents, her education, and her sexual encounters evolve, she grows into a more mature but also more conflicted and unhappy character, leaving behind the innocence of her middle school years. Not only must she navigate the often-confusing signals she receives from boys, but she also finds herself moving further and further away from her parents as she surpasses their educational level and worldview.
Editions of Do What They Say or Else
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781496228000
- iBook
- ISBN 9781496232755
- iBook
- ISBN 9781496232762
Read an Excerpt
Winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature
Originally published in 1977, Do What They Say or Else is the second novel by French author Annie Ernaux. Set in a small town in Normandy, France, the novel tells the story of a fifteen-year-old girl named Anne, who lives with her working-class parents. The story, which takes place during the summer and fall of Anne’s transition from middle school to high school, is narrated in a stream-of-consciousness style from her point of view. Ernaux captures Anne’s adolescent voice, through which she expresses her keen observations in a highly colloquial style.
As the novel progresses and Anne’s feelings about her parents, her education, and her sexual encounters evolve, she grows into a more mature but also more conflicted and unhappy character, leaving behind the innocence of her middle school years. Not only must she navigate the often-confusing signals she receives from boys, but she also finds herself moving further and further away from her parents as she surpasses their educational level and worldview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Do What They Say or Else about?
Winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature
Originally published in 1977, Do What They Say or Else is the second novel by French author Annie Ernaux. Set in a small town in Normandy, France, the novel tells the story of a fifteen-year-old girl named Anne, who lives with her working-class parents. The story, which takes place during the summer and fall of Anne’s transition from middle school to high school, is narrated in a stream-of-consciousness style from her point of view. Ernaux captures Anne’s adolescent voice, through which she expresses her keen observations in a highly colloquial style.
As the novel progresses and Anne’s feelings about her parents, her education, and her sexual encounters evolve, she grows into a more mature but also more conflicted and unhappy character, leaving behind the innocence of her middle school years. Not only must she navigate the often-confusing signals she receives from boys, but she also finds herself moving further and further away from her parents as she surpasses their educational level and worldview.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Do What They Say or Else?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Do What They Say or Else?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781496228000
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Do What They Say or Else?
Annie Ernaux
Who is the Publisher of the book Do What They Say or Else?
Nebraska
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Do What They Say or Else is available as paperback(ISBN 9781496228000) and ibook(ISBN 9781496232755) and ibook(ISBN 9781496232762)
Where can I buy Do What They Say or Else online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Do What They Say or Else?