Mercer Times

Victor Brombert, a renowned scholar of French literature and a World War II Ritchie Boy, passed away at the age of 101 on November 26 at his home in Princeton. Born in Berlin in 1923 to Russian-Jewish parents, Brombert's early life was marked by displacement due to the rise of Nazism. He fled from France to the United States in 1941 and later served in the U.S. Army during World War II as part of the intelligence group known as the Ritchie Boys.

Brombert pursued an academic career after the war, earning degrees from Yale University and teaching there for 25 years before joining Princeton University’s faculty in 1975. He specialized in French literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, contributing significantly to literary criticism and comparative studies.

His colleagues remember him fondly for his scholarly contributions and charismatic teaching style. Göran Blix, professor of French and Italian at Princeton, remarked on Brombert's enduring influence: “Though Victor Brombert retired a quarter century ago, his personality and legacy still very much continue to shape who we are today — as well as who we aspire to be.”

Brombert authored numerous books on prominent European writers such as Hugo, Flaubert, Stendhal, Balzac, Baudelaire, and others. His works remain pivotal in scholarly discussions about these authors. Thomas Hare described him as “a towering figure" among his peers.

Maria DiBattista highlighted Brombert's moral vision shaped by his wartime experiences: “He once told me that it was in fleeing the Nazis that he first encountered indifference... It taught him the moral necessity of being scandalized by the pain of others.”

Alexander Nehamas noted Brombert’s ability to connect with students through humor and passion for literature: “A polyglot and a polymath... always with a sense of humor and a delicate touch.”

Suzanne Nash credited Brombert with inspiring generations of students: “Thanks to Victor, generations of students learned to love literature.” Joyce Carol Oates praised his eloquence and insight into classical writers.

Brombert continued writing throughout retirement; his memoir "Trains of Thought" was recognized by The New York Times as one of the best books of 2022. In 2023, he published "The Pensive Citadel," further cementing his legacy.

John Logan recalled valuable advice from Brombert during their long friendship: "'Mon ami... you must always supplement'; best advice I ever received." Richard Brody remembered him fondly for both academic rigor and personal warmth.

David Remnick shared how Brombert’s teaching extended beyond graduation: "His gifts to me hardly stopped at graduation."

Claudie Bernard expressed gratitude for Brombert's guidance during her graduate studies while Richard Goodkin appreciated detailed feedback on dissertation drafts.

Paul Holdengräber reminisced about lessons learned from 'le petit Victor,' noting how Brombert inspired passion for texts among students.

Brombert received numerous honors including Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Palmes Académiques. He is survived by Beth (his wife), son Marc, daughter Lauren; donations can be made in his honor to Penn Medicine Princeton Health or Center for Modern Aging Princeton.