On Dominique Demers’ bedside table

Twice a month, a public figure tells us what they are reading at the moment. This week: author Dominique Demers, whose new novel inspired by her life, As long as there are birdshas just been published by QuébecAmérique.



Watch over her

Watch over her

Watch over her

The Iconoclast

580 pages

It is one of the most beautiful books I have read in my life. All the participants in my reading club, Les liseuses, were totally delighted. It’s certain that when a book is constructed from a work of art, it fascinates me. There is fascism in the background, then the destiny of these two absolutely exceptional human beings who are very strangely united, mismatched and gently. I love the power in this novel; it is swept by terrible gusts and at the same time, there are fabulous outbursts. In three words, I emerge feverish, battered, enchanted. »

The madman

The madman

The madman

Grasset

416 pages

This is another one of my big favorites. I recognize the journalist behind the writer; it starts from a real fact, there is a desire for detail, denunciation, a bit of reporting, and at the same time, it is totally literary. The revolt of 56 kids who escape from a penal colony on an island in the Bay of Biscay, with everything that the island can represent for prison life. I find that the strength of the author is to allow us to progress in this cruel universe without being in despair in the face of humanity. It could be dark and totally depressing, but it has currents of light running through it. »

What I know about you

What I know about you

What I know about you

Alto

296 pages

I read it with one of the book clubs [dont je suis membre]. And after our discussion meeting, I reread it in one sitting – and I don’t do that often. I reread it, among other things, because for me, the most beautiful passage – and there are many – is when the young doctor goes for the first time to the little poor house in Cairo where there is this young and his mother who suffers from an illness. We find ourselves in a bare, dark place, and at the same time, with the writer’s gaze and the descriptions, we find ourselves in a place of all possibilities. It’s truly magical. »


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