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Publication of The 180 Days of Mitterrand triggered considerable speculation about its author. Giscard supporters, noting the intimate descriptions of Mitterrand's well-sheltered life, argued that the author had to be a confidant of the Socialist leader. Many Socialists, however, suspected that one of the President's men —possibly Giscard himself—wrote the novel to point up ideological divisions within the Socialist-Communist alliance. Philippe de Commines is actually Andre Bercoff, 37, a former cultural editor of the newsmagazine L'Express. Seven earlier books published under his own name do not deal with French politics.
The Revolution of 1980, says Bercoff, a moderate socialist, "represents my idea of the changes that are necessary in French society. I'm not saying it will happen this way. In fact, I'm sure it won't. All I'm saying is that if there is no broadening of French society at the expense of centralized power, there will be trouble."
Rocard has glanced at Bercoff's new novel but refuses any comment. The Elysee has also remained silent, though the President's office ordered ten copies. Giscard no doubt would like to know if Bercoff's Rocard ends up running against him for President. Alas, The Revolution of 1980 leaves that question unresolved —perhaps because it would make a fine theme for a sequel. -