Maryse Wolinski with Georges in happy times

There have been many books and articles devoted to “Charlie Hebdo” in the beginning of the year, to celebrate the first anniversary of January 7 th, 2015. But none have the simplicity and the literary style that Maryse Wolinski shows in her moving and fascinating book : « Chérie, je vais à Charlie » (Darling, I am leaving for Charlie)

Maryse is not only a good writer, she has a great sense of humor

These are the last words that Georges Wolinski, her genius husband of 47 years, told her on Wednesday morning, the day he left for the first editorial meeting of the year at the satirical weekly. Born in Tunisia from Jewish parents, Wolinski was a very funny, truculent, life loving illustrator. His beautiful wife had always inspired him the feminine and sexy drawings of his heroine. She is herself a writer and a journalist.

This short book is the story of how she heard about the shooting and how she refused to believe that her husband had died. The minutious way she pieces together the events of the very bloody half hour between 11.15 and 11.40 on January 7 th,  is fascinating. It reminded me of Sebastian Junger’s “Perfect storm” enquiry.

She interviewed all the neighbors, witnesses, police officers, who accepted to talk to her. She questions the lack of information of the police (no one knew locally that Charlie Hebdo had offices in the building), the serious security lapses, the lack of reactivity, when at 11.15 am, a first neighbor called to say that he had heard some shots. It took a good half hour for the terrorists to find Charlie Hebdo’s offices in the building. They rang on every floor, including a couture workshop above. Maryse describes the fear of mothers who were on the way of the terrorists and did not want to die. She talks about the nearby theatre where survivors (called “impliqués” involved), an ugly word used by the police, were hiding.

Georges Wolinski’s premonitory last drawing was discovered by Maryse on his drawing table

Her 135 page book reads like a thriller, with emotion and love on top. It is the most fascinating love letter you can read and an excellent investigation as well. Do read it !!! (Le Seuil)