Gérard Boulanger’s *À mort la Guêße!* offers a detailed account of the chaotic days surrounding the French surrender in June 1940. Centered on the town of Bordeaux, the narrative follows the actions of local officials, including the controversial figure of Philippe Pétain, as the German occupation forces advance. Drawing on contemporary documents and testimonies, Boulanger examines how collaborationist decisions were made, how the Republic’s authority collapsed, and how ordinary citizens experienced the turmoil. The work situates these events within the broader context of World War II, shedding light on the political and social dynamics that shaped France’s early wartime experience. It serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in French history, the complexities of occupation, and the regional impact of the war.