Georges Simenon wrote books for pretty much his entire life. Across the Street is one of a million novels he wrote, and it came out in 1954.
Dominique is nearly 40 years old and lives in an apartment by herself. She spends all day every day spying on her neighbors out the window.
One day, she watches a young woman in an apartment across the street purposely neglect her sick husband, allowing him to die. Dominique becomes enraptured with the woman, and obsessive too. So she continues to spy on her, even venturing outside of her apartment so she can follow and stalk her.
There are hints of Dominique having a dysfunctional upbringing, and we learn that the love of her life died at one point. I guess this explains her odd behaviors and mannerisms.
I was hoping the young woman who “murdered” her husband would inspire Dominique to make her life more fun and exciting. But nope. Dominique stayed lame.
Georges Simenon writes so simply, and his books flow so easily. I wasn’t too crazy about Across the Street, but he’s got lots of other great stuff out there. I’ve read many of them, but the only other one I’ve reviewed for this website so far is November.
What are your favorite books by Georges Simenon? It’d be nice to get some additional recommendations!
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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