Trains of Thought: Paris to Omaha Beach, Memories of a Wartime Youth

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Paris, the autobiography captures Victor Brombert's poignant journey from childhood to adulthood. He reflects on his family's escape from France during the Vichy regime, his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, and the personal losses he endured. Using trains as a metaphor for his life's journey, Brombert intertwines humor and tenderness with the darker realities of his experiences. His narrative culminates in his return to America and his literary awakening at Yale, creating a compelling exploration of memory and identity.