First, I want to thank the author for having contacted me to see if I'll be interested to read his second novel, he had just completed. Even if it were true that with her first, I did not liked everything, I wanted to give him another chance and discover, this time, where he could take us. And I must say that for most of my reading, I enjoyed the trip!
Quentin saw in the Paris suburbs with his fiancee. If this life may please them, it is actually quite different. His girlfriend does not feel at ease, and becomes more and more morose and withdrawn. Therefore, Quentin decided to return to his childhood home in the countryside and in communion with nature. There, his brother Quentin takes care of this building. Craft lumberjack, he can not bear to live in the city, around many people. That is why he quickly decided on the death of their parents, to recover this house in the countryside, and live recluse at home, with little human interaction.
If the reunion between the brothers are very happy, Quentin will quickly realize that his little brother seems to hide something. Returns inhabitants of the village are not going to reassure him that his brother has changed. What he will discover and actually hides her little brother? Why it seems more and more distant? Does he really want the presence of his elder?
Well, I'll be honest: I quickly guessed what lay behind the youngest but, and this is what I appreciated, that does not stop me from continuing my reading and appreciate the explanations. Although I had soon found the explanation, the author has managed to surprise me with truths and secrets which I did not expect. But it must be said, this novel is not a novel of suspense but self-discovery and family. Or rather, family secrets that can break the links or also rebuild in some cases.
I do not want you too revealing on this story, but I liked that the author takes the time to return to the past Quentin and explains why this or that character is and why it became what it is. From the beginning, or rather the presentation of these characters, I knew that I love and those I would hate. And then I realized that I had been right to be wary of some. Although the indices are obvious, the way we hope and change that person realizes his mistakes.
As I said, this is not a novel turned suspense, and therefore, there is no action. But this does not prevent us to read it very quickly, because the pages are turning fast, and the story that is told is in a certain sense quite involved. The fact is that the story in the first person singular helps to be more caught up in the story. Although at times I did not agree with the choices and thoughts of Quentin, I enjoyed disagree, showing that although it is fiction, what the author has written was also a close sense of reality.
For when the book closes, the first question that comes to mind is: how we would have reacted in his place? Would I do the same choices or have we done otherwise? Although in my heart I would have done otherwise, I also understand the reaction that took Quentin in the end. And then you say, "But what she's talking? ". Well to find out, I invite you to discover this story!
In summary, I'm glad I gave a chance to the author, because I really enjoyed my reading, although some reactions Quentin displeased me. However, the idea that Mathieu had Mériguet for the turn of events was very well chosen, feeding and described. It is true that at times, it felt to be with them in that house in the country, and it's true that when that happens to me is that the author in question his successful bet. Another thing that I found really nice is that albeit fictional, when the book closes, one realizes that this can become real. That the characters live is not purely invented, it's a little news items that we often see on the news. So if you want a simple reading, without the fuss with family secrets and sometimes heavy to carry a hint of romance, so do not hesitate!
* Thanks again for Mathieu Mériguet confidence! *
Justine P.
