Adapted from the eponymous book by Suzanne Privat published in 2021 by Les Avrils, this album designed by Tristan Garnier tells, under the cover of an initiatory and fictional personal story, the incredible and authentic story of “La Famille”, a group of eight families (the names have been modified here) established for 200 years in the XIeXIIe and 20e arrondissements of Paris and whose existence was revealed to the general public by an article in “Parisien” in 2020.
This congregation, heir to Jansenism, has more than 3,000 members who believe in the end of the world and are convinced that they are God’s chosen ones, promised to eternal life. In the meantime, they work, pay their taxes and send their children to school but must obey strict rules (long hair and dresses compulsory for women, contraception and divorce prohibited, daily prayers and hymns, red and white prohibited for clothing, etc. ), and for 130 years not socializing outside of The Family and in fact only marrying among themselves…
Inbreeding
Consequences of this autarkic functioning: very strong solidarity but also numerous genetic diseases linked to inbreeding within the community suspected of sectarian excesses by Miviludes (Interministerial Mission for Vigilance and the Fight against Sectarian Abuses) but not classified as such. as such in the absence of a guru and any proselytism.
-Via colorful plates with varied cutting, the description is based on testimonies of individuals who chose to leave the group and therefore banned for life while the alternation of historical elements, everyday scenes and investigation is managed with clarity and fluidity. Quite a fascinating read.
“The family” by Tristan Garnier and Suzanne Privat. Delcourt, Encrages collection. 20.95 euros.
