Jean Vercors; Wrote Clandestine Novel During Nazi Era

Jean Vercors, 89, author of the first clandestine novel published during the Nazi occupation of France. The writer, whose real name was Jean-Marcel de Bruller, was best known for his novel “Le Silence de la Mer” (“Silence of the Sea”), set in wartime France. To publish the clandestine work, the author joined Pierre de Lescure in 1941 to found a publishing house, Les Editions de Minuit, which later became known for its avant-garde editorial choices. The short novel dealt with a German officer occupying a house owned by a Frenchman and his niece--a touching revelation of the human side of the occupier who vainly tries to persuade his unwilling hosts of his good faith. He also befriended members of the Resistance, basing some of his subsequent writings on their stories and his own reflections. After the war, Vercors sold the publishing house but continued to write. He also made successful lecture tours worldwide. On Monday in Paris.