"[Beckett's] life between 1939 and 1945-6 has been well-documented ... but William Davies adds much detail, and his book is certain to become the standard work on the subject. But he has done far more than provide new information: he adds fresh strands to the narrative. His book explores, for instance, the issue of Vichy's Révolution nationale and Beckett's sarcastic depiction of the Pétain paradox as a 'poor old misled man and hero of Verdun' (p. 78). This is followed by a brilliant exposé of Beckett's relationship to Irish neutrality and a fine analysis of his greatest poem 'Saint-Lô' (1946)." --John Fletcher, Journal of European Studies

"This deep and original re-examination of Samuel Beckett's experience in occupied France during World War Two is a revelation, a book that opens so many new vistas onto Beckett's creative breakthrough, and the gestation of Waiting for Godot, Endgame and the post-war prose. A stunning debut." --Robert McCrum, Beckett Centre Creative Fellow, University of Reading, UK