“Once opened, you never let go”

“I really like this book by Amin Maalouf (from the French Academy, Editor’s note). It was given to me by a friend upon returning from a trip to Lebanon made with her 5 years ago. Published in 2012, the work tells the story of Adam, a historian who returns to his country for the funeral of a friend. There he finds his childhood friends, all of very different persuasions, with whom he shares his memories of his youth in a more relaxed Lebanon. Former friends, more or less angry, meet again, and a passionate love story also runs through the novel. It is a book about the values ​​of openness and tolerance, which resonates with me as I come from a Protestant father and a Catholic mother – this was still a subject in France a few years ago – and which am married to a Frenchman of Armenian origin. The mix is ​​also found in my cuisine, even if I am faithful to my French DNA which I cherish.

It is a joyful book, which tells of a joyful country, even if it speaks of the twists and turns of exile and an impossible return. It's 500 pages long but once opened, you won't put it down. You are not expected to give a book, but rather a bottle of wine, one of my peppers… This one, I offer on the occasion of sincere discussions with loved ones, about life, the world… Our times are difficult, the escape that the book allows is fundamental. Personally, throughout the pages, I look for an enigmatic side, a reverie… The book puts me in a state of being inspired; he ultimately helps me do my job. This one was given to me; It’s a real gift to recommend a book.” V.B.

Sp.