I Survived Swiss
Boarding Schools

“In world mythology, the archetype for greatness is the hero. The story is about the hero finding a way to extricate himself (occasionally herself) from the depths of abuse/despair/danger/self-doubt/humiliation/etc. He challenges his monsters, external and internal, and ultimately comes out transformed and (yes) triumphant. This is as true of Ulysses as it is true of you.”

“I got 'into' your story yesterday and read right through it! It is more attention getting than fiction.”

“The way you end it is gratifying. We are prepared for you to take revenge in some manner and you surprise us by being forgiving and gentle — like a saint. And we are left with a nice warm feeling!”

“You are one of the best writers I've ever known. The chapters smoothly flow from one to the next, and the language is typical of your writing — expressive and engaging. The understatement of your points makes them that much more powerful for the reader and, without being graphic, still paints a striking portrait of your experiences.”

“Ok give me more! I like the enthusiasm for life you have. You are the quiet spectator who has suddenly become part of the crowd and somewhat a leader now. I still feel that silence from real family bonds as little René, still does not recollect many family memories, yet remembers the moments with other mothers and fathers more. It is very interesting that little René is almost as much as a spectator to the famous people as the reader. While the reader is enamored with the famous names, it ties in with René's affection for the people who are just people to him a surrogate family.”

“The three components to all great stories:
1. Defy authority
2. Destroy property
3. Take your clothes off
I believe you have them covered!!!!”

“You must be surely thrilled with what you have accomplished.”

“It's strange for me to read things about my grandmother and grandfather as I didn't know them...even if, still now, I have a big picture of them in my apartment. I only know them through my father's eyes. I'm really anxiously waiting to read the next pages, it's very well written but I'm afraid to discover the hard things you've been through going to Le Rosey. I'm happy my grandmother was so kind with you in the middle of all that “austerité," it only comforts me in the idea she was someone good.

—Tristan Silvin