A collection of narratives explores profound emotional journeys and human experiences. Joseph Portedor, a sensitive boy, navigates love and loss in post-war Toulouse. Ilaria, an eight-year-old, faces her family’s sudden disappearance during a road trip with her father. Jérôme Ferrari critiques the absurdity of wealth pursuit through a tragic story set in Corsica. Lastly, Sophie Fontanel delves into fashion’s intersection with art, showcasing 160 masterpieces from the Louvre and reflecting on beauty’s timelessness.
The Sound and the Fury: A Journey Through Emotion
Joseph Portedor is no ordinary child. With hypersensitivity, he possesses an extraordinary ability to sense emotions and hidden truths—detecting a particular smell, a subtle hue, or an illness in someone who appears healthy. Growing up in Toulouse amidst modest means, he is nurtured by a loving mother while cherishing the memory of his father, who lost his life in the war in November 1915. When Anima Halbron, an enchanting girl three years his senior, moves into his building, Joseph finds himself hopelessly infatuated with her, despite her feelings being otherwise. He overlooks her fiery temper and mischievous nature, entranced by her unique ability to lead him astray. Their relationship may be lopsided, yet Joseph remains undeterred. ‘His affection is inexplicable, relentless, uncontrollable, whimsical, and extraordinary…‘ Through Anima, he learns the meaning of ‘vengeance’—a lesson ignited by her beloved pig, Lamour, whom she rescued from slaughter—and the essence of bravery. The memory of the spirited young Jewish girl, who beautifully plays Schumann on the piano, remains etched in his heart, especially when she suddenly disappears. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he longs to discover her fate, and she becomes a constant thread weaving through his adventures and dramas. This sprawling, baroque narrative vividly traverses the tumult of the early 20th century, featuring standout secondary characters like the formidable Cardinale, a brothel madam and resistance fighter, and Vadim Hache, the anarchist poet Joseph encounters during his detention in Germany.
Save Yourself: Ilaria’s Innocent Journey
Meet Ilaria, a spirited eight-year-old girl who recounts her story as she embarks on a car journey through northern Italy with her father. He picks her up from school and suddenly, her world changes—her mother and sister vanish overnight. While she may not grasp the entire situation, Ilaria quickly realizes that her father is filled with sorrow and turns to alcohol for solace. However, amidst the chaos, small moments of comfort arise during their travels. Written in simple, present-tense language, this touching narrative (recipient of the Blu Jean-Marc Roberts prize) immerses readers in Ilaria’s perspective as she learns to adapt to her new reality.
21st Century Tale: The Provocative North Sentinel
Jérôme Ferrari’s incisive storytelling captures the absurdity of human folly. Through the eyes of a teacher, the narrator critiques the relentless pursuit of wealth among tourists and locals alike. While Corsica is far removed from North Sentinel—a forbidden island in the Andaman archipelago—its allure takes a dark turn when Alexandre Romani, the narrator’s cousin’s son, makes a tragic mistake, stabbing an acquaintance, Alban Genevey, who had a promising future ahead. This narrative unfolds like a fable, interspersed with tales of djinns, curses, and witches. Serving as the first installment in a triptych exploring the various dimensions of otherness, North Sentinel invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature.
Beautiful Book: Unveiling Fashion at the Louvre
What a brilliant concept: exploring fashion through the lens of art. Renowned fashion critic Sophie Fontanel skillfully intertwines humor and insight as she curates a selection of 160 masterpieces from the Louvre Museum. Each piece is paired with concise reflections on topics such as the bodies of models, the artistry of fashion shows, the controversies surrounding nudity, and the garments that ‘instill us with unmatched confidence.’ This work serves as a testament to the timelessness of fashion, revealing its pervasive presence throughout history and the elusive nature of beauty.