In a vivid exploration of familial dynamics, the narratives unfold around characters grappling with identity, love, and legacy. From Jacques, the chaotic stepfather of two sisters, to Emanuele Trevi’s poignant reminiscences of his father, each story delves into the complexities of relationships. Minh Tran Huy reflects on her bond with her Vietnamese grandmother, while Sylia navigates her cultural duality as a Moroccan in France. Celebrated actress Danielle Darrieux’s cinematic journey is honored, alongside the heartwarming tale of Maurice, a shy boy with hidden talents.
The Enigmatic Jacques: A Portrait of a Flamboyant Loser
In the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s, two sisters, Anna and Irène, navigate life with their enigmatic stepfather, Jacques. Described by Anna as a larger-than-life character, Jacques embodies both charm and chaos—an old-fashioned dreamer with a megalomaniac flair. Their mother holds him in high regard, admiring him in a way reminiscent of Napoleon, relishing the idea that their marriage elevates her to a heroic status. The family experiences a brief relocation to Abidjan, where Jacques envisions himself as a business savant, perpetually on the brink of a monumental success. However, his ambitions often culminate in bankruptcy and escape, leaving behind a trail of silence before the next promise of triumph. Eventually, the mother and her daughters return to Le Havre, while Jacques remains in Africa, their lives intersecting only sporadically. Despite being distant, Jacques continues to spread his eccentricity, indulging in extravagant purchases—opulent antiques and a grand piano that goes untouched. As the household struggles with basic necessities, Jacques’ lavish spending leaves his wife to mend the chaos he creates. Driven by a desire to bring joy to his family, Jacques embraces his role as a father figure to his wife’s daughters, fulfilling a dream he always had. Caught in a whirlwind of financial woes and deception, their mother contemplates divorce, yet Jacques casts a mesmerizing spell, leaving behind glittering memories and heartfelt letters. As Michel Audiard once said, ‘Happy are the cracked because they let the light through‘, and indeed, Florence Seyvos crafts a luminous narrative that captures the essence of this flawed but loving family.
A Journey to Understand Fatherhood: The Magician’s Legacy
‘You know how he is’—a phrase frequently uttered by Emanuele Trevi’s mother when discussing her son’s father. This ‘enigmatic man’, a smiling figure with a mustache, comes to life in Trevi’s deeply personal narrative. After the passing of Mario Trevi, a renowned psychoanalyst, Emanuele inherits the apartment that once belonged to his father, and at fifty, he rekindles his connection with the neighborhood of his youth. Now, with the tangible remnants of his father—the books, photographs, and personal belongings—Emanuele unveils stories that had remained unspoken. He describes it as ‘The museum of my father’, a poignant collection of treasures for which he assumes the role of curator and guardian. With wit and insight, Trevi pays homage to the fathers whose voices went unheard in their lifetimes, shedding light on their complex legacies.
The Heartwarming Ties of Childhood: My Grandmother’s Wisdom
What could rival a grandmother’s love? A bond untainted by authority, woven from pure affection. Minh Tran Huy beautifully narrates her relationship with Bà, her Vietnamese grandmother who found refuge in France. Beneath the gentle moments shared together lies a history filled with profound grief and loss. Yet, as Bà’s words become increasingly rare, the granddaughter is left with a blank canvas to carve out her own destiny. In her journey, Minh Tran Huy reflects on the inevitable distance that grows between a grandchild and grandparent as life unfolds—pursuing education, career, and love. Having lost the Vietnamese language that once connected her to Bà, she finds herself charting a new path, leaving behind the words of her ancestors. Though the narrative is rich in emotion, it occasionally feels burdened by an overly contrived succession of Vietnamese tales.
The Dual Identity of Sylia: The Moroccan Experience in France
Sylia’s journey from Morocco to France is marked by a poignant struggle between her heritage and her new identity. ‘You no longer really belong to Morocco’, her aunt reminds her, emphasizing the cultural conflict she faces. While she rejects the misogyny and homophobia prevalent in her native country, Sylia grapples with the pressure to embody both a ‘good Moroccan’ and a ‘true Parisian’. In Dounia Hadni’s novel, La hchouma, which translates to shame, Sylia emerges as a liberated Moroccan journalist in a left-leaning publication, navigating her privileged background while feeling out of place. The narrative unfolds with humor and a politically incorrect edge, making it a compelling read that resonates with the complexities of identity.
Celebrating the Cinematic Legacy of Danielle Darrieux
Just as Brigitte Bardot became an icon in the 1950s, Danielle Darrieux captivated audiences from the 1930s onwards. Men coveted her while women sought to emulate her. Darrieux, who began her illustrious acting career at just 14 and continued until the age of 94, is celebrated in a heartfelt tribute by director François Ozon. In his preface, he describes the book as ‘a beautiful erudite and loving book’ that chronicles the filmography of this extraordinary star. Readers will discover testimonials from luminaries like Catherine Deneuve, who fondly recalls being Darrieux’s on-screen daughter, and Fanny Ardant, who shared heartfelt conversations about love. Dominique Besnehard rightly proclaims her as ‘the actress of the 20th century’ and expresses disbelief that no street in Paris bears her name. Dive into Darrieux’s enchanting cinematic world, where her performances graced classics such as Madame de…, The Red and the Black, Mayerling, The Young Girls of Rochefort, A Room in Town, and Ozon’s Eight Women, which Ardant described as a gathering of ‘sacred cows’. This essential book serves to remind us all of her lasting impact on the film industry.
Unveiling Hidden Talents: The Shyness of Maurice
Meet Maurice, a timid young boy often overshadowed by his shyness, blending effortlessly into his surroundings at school and during playtime. However, beneath his unassuming exterior lies a hidden talent that might just capture the attention of the other inhabitants of the ocean. This charming story is beautifully illustrated, elevating a light narrative into a captivating exploration of self-discovery.