Her longest day…
Dear Martin,
Thank you for creating the character of Marguerite. There is a certain « je ne sais quoi » in this grandmother that captivated me. She moved me so much that I felt as though I recognized her. And I love it when a novel evokes such emotions in me. When the writing touches the heart.
I enjoyed following Marguerite through what we initially believe are meanderings, only to later understand that it is, in fact, a quest. Of course, the setting of these wanderings (which aren’t really) deeply touched me. Carentan les marais, Sainte-Mère-Église… the « playground » is familiar to me. This familiarity contributed to the sense of closeness, which was so pleasant and, above all, so moving.
I’ve heard you present this novel many times, as we’ve had the pleasure of signing together. (While you were creating Marguerite, I was creating Peter Gordon. They could have met. I even believe they would have gotten along well.) You beautifully serve the themes that are dear to me: memory, transmission, and finally, sharing. A truly lovely tribute to life, during this period of commemorations.
As I write these few words to you, I realize that the first novel I read of yours was titled La mémoire de l’oubli… a title that’s a bit of an oxymoron (unless it’s the opposite) that I must admit, I was a bit envious of…
Indeed…
Christelle Angano
