Le Bal - Snow in Autumn

Snow in Autumn

Snow in Autumn is told through the eyes of the faithful old maid of a White Russian family. She has nursed all the children through the years, and now, with a heavy heart, she sees the youngest male members of the family leave to fight in the Great War.

Following the revolution, she stays in the house, and awaits the family's return. However, they flee to Paris, except the youngest, who, on his return to the old family home is shot dead by his former friend. Traumatised, Tatiana must join the family in Paris to tell them of the son's death. She stays on with them, but she, unlike the younger members of the family, cannot adapt to the cramped and poverty-stricken life they lead there. She becomes sad and introspective, longing for the cold, icy winters of Russia. It is a poignant tale, made more resonant by the fact that Nemirovsky herself had to flee Russia with her family.