What a nugget this book and above all what original idea offered by its author Eliott de Gastines for his first novel “Les confins” published by Flammarion. “Les confins” therefore it was, in the 60s, a village which promised to be a flourishing ski resort. Twenty years later in the 80s there is nothing left. Ski lifts lead nowherethe cable car stations are not finished and the wind is blowing everywhere.
The action takes place on these two eras. And begins in 1984 with the return of Bruno Roussin, the promoter’s son who saw mountains and wonders in this place. In the village there are only a few inhabitants left who spend the winter secluded because the road that accesses the borders is closed from November. And that’s where the storm is rising Literally as well as figuratively. Because the father of Bruno Roussin who had seen an El Dorado in these mountains did not fail alone, we helped him a lot. So there is revenge in the air. We will therefore oscillate between the story of the father and the start of the project which will suddenly move land and force natural spaces and by investing thousands of francs and that of the son who returns to these cursed places.
The atmosphere is cold but very indeed because it is already in the mountains and then because it suddenly becomes a breathless camera and unlike any other atmosphere. Revenge, madness, an avalanche and a storm are summoned. Honestly it’s a treat. It’s extremely well written there’s a lot of suspense and what about the decor that’s strong that’s clever this deserted resort it could also be a seaside resort but since it’s cold it’s even more worrying even more numbing and hostile.
I am very pleasantly surprised by this first novel which is quite in season. Take it with you if you go to the mountains for the holidays. It will make you shiver and you can get even more under the openings as the snowflakes beat on the window.