Mystery Review: Pietr the Latvian is the first sighting of Inspector Jules Maigret, who was to appear in 75 or so novels written by Belgian author, Georges Simenon. Maigret is very large (though muscular), usually hungry, enjoys a hot fire or stove, and is unceasing and literally unstoppable in pursuit of his quarry. Inspector Javert would be an apt ancestor. Although perpetually perceptive, Maigret is no genius such as Sherlock Holmes or Nero Wolfe. He often relies on moments that are "a complete miracle," coincidences and happenstance. Although on the hard-boiled side, he's not a bully or violent like a Mike Hammer. He uses his large, tough body as an unstoppable force to sweep aside any obstacle to his pursuit. Not overly talkative, he's plain, loyal, and simply determined to get the job done: "Maigret worked like any other policeman ... but what he sought ... was the crack in the wall ... when the human being comes out from behind the opponent." The translation of Pietr the Latvian was occasionally irritating, seemingly (no French here) too literal with the occasional ill-fitting word sticking out like a peacock at a penguin rally. But the fault could also lie with Simenon himself (after all he did publish almost 500 novels!). The writing here is not the attraction, it's simply a tool. The atmosphere he creates in Pietr the Latvian is the show. The Latin Quarter. We see the glamour and grit, the dives, drugs, and drink, the wealthy and the wanting of Paris between the wars. It's fascinating, with all the delights and flaws of its time. [3★]
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