In “Restons bons amants” by Virginie Carton published by Viviane Hamy, we meet Hélène who writes in the first person for tell about his adulterous relationship with a famous singer. She was 23 when she met him and began a relationship with this man 20 years older than him who was also involved elsewhere. But it’s unspoken they will never encroach on each other’s lives. They cross paths from time to time like this and then one day Hélène cuts ties, she wants to build her life on her side. Hélène is therefore going to get married and have children. And then… and then one day they will give each other news and see each other again.
The relationship will resume and they will realize that what they took for an adventure might well and truly be a passion. Virginie Carton will explore this strange relationship, as intense as it is ephemeral, which makes you vibrate, which makes you feel alive.
This book is powerful in the way it tells us about what vertigo of the forbidden of this space which does not prevent Hélène from loving her husband. It also describes the strength of being a woman. He analyzes the wear and tear of the couple which means that we sometimes need to feel desired, attracted by an elsewhere. Hélène knows very well that she is playing with fire and that she is taking a big risk, but it is as if she needed it just to feel alive.
And then there’s this idea of never having really separated, she even speaks of faithful lovers. And yet it is as if there were modesty. They don’t talk about love when it’s there everywhere. It’s as if both had made the choice to prevent it. And then little by little the double life becomes reality. And the malaise that goes with it, will quickly follow.
It is a very short story, very beautiful, full of finesse on the palette of human feelings. Even if this text has a little bitter taste when you finish it, like too strong coffee which is nevertheless delicious.