1940-1945 années érotiques is a book published by Albin Michel. The story of France occupation as witnessed by its morality. The presence of German soldiers in Paris changed French sexuality and sentimentality. Under the control of the German army, whorehouses that were forbidden in Germany opened their doors. The women enjoyed medical care, infecting a German soldier was considered sabotage. In addition to prostitution, lonely women and young girls in search of romance were seduced by the young soldiers. One night stands were common, unfortunately for these women who would be shaved at the Libération. “The Shaved Heads” as they were called became French outcasts. Patrick Buisson explains that the stigmatization of these women was a “reaffirmation of the country’s rights over the women’s bodies and the recovery of male control over women’s sexuality”. The control would only last a short time, with the arrival of the allies, this time, the French literally jumped into the Americans’ arms ! And , over 60 years later, Arletty’s comment summmed up the French spirit in general, “If my heart is French, my ass is international!”

Sophie Hedtmann

1940-1945, Années érotiques. L'Occupation intime
Patrick Buisson
Albin Michel, 2011
ISBN 9782226181985