The Merry Month of May (novel)

The Merry Month of May is a novel by James Jones, published posthumously in 1971. It is a satirical and darkly comic exploration of the May 1968 student protests in Paris, and their impact on a group of expatriate Americans living there.

The novel centers around a group of characters:

• Harry: A successful but disillusioned American novelist living in Paris. He observes the unfolding events with a mixture of fascination and cynicism.
• Lou: Harry's mistress, a young and politically engaged woman who becomes involved in the student movement.
• The American School community: The novel depicts various teachers, students, and administrators at an American school in Paris, each reacting to the political upheaval in their own way.

The Merry Month of May explores themes of political idealism versus pragmatism, cultural clashes, generational divides, and the search for meaning in a world undergoing rapid change. The novel is known for its detailed and sometimes unflattering portrayal of the American expatriate community in Paris and its critical commentary on the events of May 1968. It also reflects Jones's own experiences as an American writer living abroad. Despite being published after his death, the novel is considered a significant work in understanding the social and political climate of the late 1960s.