The Télégramme literary columnists offer you a selection of novels, thrillers, comics and children’s books to make anyone love reading.
On the line, by Joseph Ponthus
Alexandre Fillon’s advice
To those who are reluctant to open a book, we would really like to offer a copy of “A la ligne”. The “factory sheets” by Joseph Ponthus, this book is unique in many respects. A text that does not fit into a box or a genre, but that we keep carefully in our library. “At the line” is a true story, an eternal poem, a song that is difficult to put down once you have heard the voice that escapes from it. That of a man who entered the factory “for the money” and hired at six in the morning or at eight thirty, depending on the contract, for eight hours of work. A man putting down on paper the cold, the back pain, the fatigue, the time that passes or does not pass, and also the joy. A man who listens, looks and tells the world around him. Without pathos and without arrogance, with his words and his heart.
The Sparrowhawk, by Patrice Pellerin
Marcel Quiviger’s advice
If you only had to give one comic book to someone who doesn’t like to read, obviously you would have to opt for a Gaston Lagaffe or an Asterix. No matter which album you choose: laughter guaranteed, the pleasure of an easy, joyful, timeless read that is good in these gloomy times. She will thank you. No chance of going wrong, whatever album you choose.
But if you want to take him into a more complex universe, rich in feelings, adventures, discoveries… you have to direct him towards the many series that comics offer. And if we had to choose just one, why not that of L’Épervier. From the first album in the series, all the ingredients come together to make reading captivating and addictive. Brittany and the Vauban fortresses, the intrigues at the court of Versailles, the tumultuous life of the corsairs, the impossible or thwarted loves, the exoticism of the Guyana of New France, a drawing of finesse and historical accuracy incomparable… Everything comes together to captivate the reader, embarked by the author Patrice Pellerin on a long-term adventure (ten albums). If we turn the first page of the first album, we are in for hours of reading and adventures. Thrills guaranteed.
Last meters to the cemetery, by Antti Tuomainen
Anne Lessard’s advice
Jaakko doesn’t know when, but he will die. Very quickly, poisoned. Enough to kill his man except that the Finn finds, in his last meters before the cemetery, the energy to unmask the author of the fatal poisoning. Who is trying to assassinate him, for what motive? The investigation, strewn with deaths, is launched! Why read a thriller, this thriller? For 5 good reasons! 1. The mystery (who blames the mushroom grower?) is stimulating. 2. The investigation is entertaining (Jaakko’s neurons are working, ours too). 3. The hero evolves in an elsewhere to be discovered (here Finland) 4. Jaakko will identify the villain (who fascinates us but scares us) and things return to order, reassuring. Or not! 5. This hero could be US, the big thrill… Except that we, the reader, remain stuck at the bottom of the sofa. Too good!
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Gaston Grognon, by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang
Pauline Le Diouris’ advice for children
What if the bad mood of a little chimpanzee could make parents and children laugh? This is the successful bet of “Gaston Grognon”. Gaston the chimpanzee got up with his left foot. He’s grumpy as can happen sometimes. But everyone around him in the jungle decided to understand why and smile back. In “Gaston Grognon”, a lovely album illustrated by Max Lang, Suzanne Lang pays tribute to the right to sometimes be in a bad mood. The book turns out to be both funny and a good support to open a discussion on emotions. And Gaston doesn’t stop there since several albums followed this first opus. “Gaston Grognon. “It’s Party” is particularly irresistible. The animal is still in a bad mood and doesn’t really want to go dancing at his friend Porcupine’s party. Gaston has his place in all the little ones’ libraries!
Soie, by Alessandro Baricco
Corinne Abjean’s advice
Imaginary biography, romance novel, travel diary, it’s all at the same time and in a short and magnificent story of 140 pages. Everyone can find what they like there. “Soie” is the story of Hervé Joncour, who, in the heart of Ardèche, carries out a strange activity: he buys and resells silkworms. But in the 1860s, disease was rife. He decides to go buy healthy eggs in… Japan. Mysterious country, if ever there was one! There he meets Hara Kei, a lord and his disturbing young mistress. Then returns home, where his sweet wife, Hélène, is waiting for him. And leaves again, four times. Long and dangerous journeys; sublimated loves; letters that vibrate with expectation; characters of desire and passion… This novel gives pride of place to mystery and life. As brilliant, sensual and captivating as its title.
Elliot at college, by Théo Grosjean
The Perhadeblibrarians council for young people
If reading is not your favorite activity, the Perhadebibliothèques recommend “Elliot at College”. This is a comic series which began in 2023. We follow Elliot, a middle school student, in his college years. The first volume, Panic at school, tells of his arrival in 6th grade. In the 2nd volume, Elliot is in 5th grade and in the last one, released last fall, Elliot is in 4th grade. It’s a comic book that humorously tells the story of Elliot’s daily life at college. Certain situations stress him out and his anxiety materializes in the form of a ball on legs which gives him advice… not always wise! His imaginary friend always assumes the worst and ignites Elliot’s fears. What we like about this series is that it is funny while dealing with true situations and problems encountered by all middle school students.
