We Read, We Discuss discussion

Michel, Michel

I finished the book for the second time. Caught a few things I missed during my first reading several years ago. Jana is right: there are very few likable characters in this story. Even Michel leaves you wanting to shake him at times.
I had to give some thought to the last few chapters, when finally someone thought to ask, "What does Michel want?" But of course by that time, all he really wanted was some kind of stability. He probably thought the Church (and Maman Rose, who dragged him down that awful road in the first place) was his best bet, since Konrad and his Jewish relatives had been thoroughly demonized in his young mind, and were in any case unknown to him.
I wonder how many times something similar happened to orphaned Jewish youngsters after WWII.
I'm eagerly awaiting your thoughts and criticisms.