In this book, the author embarks on a unique narrative journey intertwined with the confidences of a reader named Sarah, who has endured a harrowing experience due to her husband. The narrative takes a metafictional turn, much like the author’s previous bestseller, “L’amour et les forêts,” which was recently adapted into a film. Sarah confides in the author, whom she greatly admires, with the hope that he will transform her life story into a novel. In this narrative, Sarah assumes the pseudonym Susanne, and the author engages in ongoing discussions with her, even altering her last name to better suit her preferences.
The text operates on three distinct narrative levels: that of the author and Sarah, that of Sarah and that of Suzanne. The stories of these two women share similarities, yet they are peppered with subtle differences and variations. Both women share a passion for the arts – one, a former architect, creates intricate light installations in her garden, while the other dabbles in drawing and attempts her hand at literature. This narrative structure weaves a delicate web of mirrors, offering insights into artistic creation and the multifaceted nature of perception. However, it also introduces an element of inevitable repetition, requiring the reader to delve into the past to decipher the storyteller, whether it be Sarah or Susanne.
The initial impetus for Sarah’s narrative is her dissatisfaction with her marriage. She senses that her husband has grown distant and realizes that she doesn’t have an equal claim to their home. The financial arrangement they have – he covers the mortgage, while she pays living expenses – leads to an inequitable partnership. Her husband’s lack of concern is most evident when she undergoes a breast cancer operation, as he appears more preoccupied with the property they must relinquish than with her health. Following her treatment, she decides not to return to work and instead takes time off to reflect on her life and make her husband reassess their relationship. She moves out, but her husband interprets this as an abandonment of their marital home, blaming her for their two children’s welfare.
Unexpectedly, their situation takes a dramatic turn, landing Sarah/Susanne in a psychiatric hospital. Even as her husband initiates divorce proceedings and seeks sole ownership of the house, she clings to the hope of reconciliation. From her hospital room, she eventually signs the divorce agreement, requesting only the opportunity to live in their house during the summer to be close to their son, whose relationship with Sarah is tenderly depicted. She accepts these unfavorable conditions, forgoing any alimony or compensation.
Unlike the villainous character in “L’amour et les forêts,” Sarah’s husband is not a pervert but rather an ordinary manipulator who hides behind the façade of an abused spouse to cloak his calculated actions. Suzanne’s mistreatment, while lacking legal repercussions, is undeniably real. She joins a collective of women who have been unjustly abandoned, left to fend for themselves after years of devotion and childbirth. She declares, “My duty is done, the children are being brought up brilliantly so out with mum, out with the wife, no thanks.”
The author takes the narrative to a point where the creative process and the story transcend the “real” Sarah. It becomes evident that the author’s primary aim is to write a novel that empowers Sarah to recover, as if offering Susanne a “happy” ending could pave the way for Sarah to pursue her own. There’s a quasi-demiurge quality to this, as it ultimately materializes. Susanne is reunited with her true love, inspiring Sarah to consider doing the same. She decides to fight for what she rightfully deserves, enlisting the help of a lawyer specializing in women’s rights.
At times, the book’s treatment of the subject matter may seem simplistic, caricatured, and superficial, characterized by clear divisions between the good and bad characters. However, the narrative is remarkably well-structured and beautifully written. Readers gradually acclimate to the intricate narrative construction, finding pleasure in its complexity. The story is infused with a sense of social critique, championing the cause of women while offering an invigorating and uplifting conclusion. The book successfully explores the complex dynamics of relationships, artistic expression, and the resilience of women, ultimately leaving a profound impact on its readers.