There’s only one thing for you to do, my friend. . . .” He rested his hand lightly on Grange’s shoulder and stared into his eyes, no longer joking. “Some good advice in return for your good wine: if I were you I’d arrange to get a transfer. You know what I’d call this little place they’ve rented for you out here in the woods? Don’t let it upset you, but I’d call it a real hellhole. You’ll be caught in here like a rat in a trap.

Julien Gracq, Balcony in the Forest, loc. 172