Jane Reviews~ Human Nature by Serge Joncour
Apologies for my lack of Blogs recently. I've been waiting for something worthy and I have found it in Human Nature by Serge Joncour published by Gallic Books.
This novel has been described as a gripping rural epic combined with searing political and social critique. It's all of these but also a love story on many levels.
A French rural farming family of three generations and four children. Alexandre's three sisters leave to follow their dreams leaving him to deal with the insatiable appetite of supermarkets and fast food chains whilst fighting the ideals and principles of his farming birth right.
Whilst visiting his sister Caroline he becomes infatuated by her flatmate Constanze an environmental activist keen to draw him into her cause.
Farmers use ammonium nitrates so do eco-terrorists............
He cries for our beautiful planet also where the French politics of Mitterrand and Chirac is leading his Nation. An excellent analysis of our human relationship with the environment whilst considering how far a boy becoming a man will go for love.
Serge Joncour has the knack of writing at the crossroads between humans and nature. This French Author studied Philosophy at University before deciding to become a writer. One feels he knew he had much to say and the novel would be his messenger.
Human Nature won the Prix Femina in 2020 and Prix Francois Sommer in 2021.
A perfect translation from French to English by Louise Rogers Lalaurie leaving you to think in French whilst reading in English. A true talent.
Jane