Georges Simenon: The Belgian Writer’s 10 Best Maigret Books — theculturetrip.com

A man’s dismembered body is found In the Saint-Martin Canal. Close to the scene, Maigret meets the taciturn owner of a cafe, Aline Calas, and wonders if the body in the canal was that of her husband. As usual, Maigret’s instincts are correct. Compelled to run the investigation further but with time on his hands as he’s already solved the case, Maigret starts digging into the past of everyone who is concerned. Unlike most detective fictions where finding the solution is central to the story, this novel explores the different motives that can lead to committing a crime. Here lies a rationale of self-hatred behind the actions whereby you can hurt and mortify those who are closest to you. Simenon, through Maigret, desperately attempts to figure out real meanings and ambitions, believing that understanding can lead to forgiveness and forgiveness will reduce the drive to commit a crime.

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