Bewildering Stories welcomes...

Paule Libby

A native Parisian, Paule has lived in Germany, the U.S. and now Italy. She is a teacher of French as a second language. In retirement she is carrying on her work in her capacity as owner and moderator of the French-language Internet discussion group Entramis. The list is intended for all speakers of French — whether as a first or second language — wherever in the world they may reside. Paule’s teaching style and that of her discussion group are reflected in her review of La Chute (Downfall ) in this issue: informative and friendly at the same time.

Paule’s article appears by invitation. While it demonstrates what Bewildering Stories can do with translations, the object is not to borrow an exotic or cosmopolitan flavor for its own sake; we already have that aplenty. Rather, we’re interested first and foremost in content.

The topic of Downfall (original: Untergang) is Hitler’s last days and the viewpoint of the girl who was his personal secretary at the time. The film is bound to become controversial because its subject is so explosive: was Hitler a human being or a monster? As the film shows, the answer is: both; he has transcended history and joined the ranks of both tyrants and prophets as a dark icon in humanity’s mythology. A monster can be safely classified as a natural catastrophe; a human being who embodies the worst in humanity’s society and psychology becomes a sinister “once and future king” and a warning to all people and all times, including our own.

Welcome to Bewildering Stories, Paule. And Paule would like to welcome you to to Entramis in her biographical sketch.