1 The favorite
“Our Foulquier years”. A real favorite is “Our Foulquier Years”. Written by Maryz Bessaguet, with the assistance of Liliane Roudiere, this book pays a beautiful tribute to the creator of the Francofolies de La Rochelle. The biggest names in French-speaking song gave moving testimonies about the most Rais of Rochelais. For example, we can cite this sentence: “we do not forget the beings who only resemble themselves. » This statement, signed Jean-Jacques Goldman, sums up Jean-Louis Foulquier's career well. This work, embellished with numerous photos, is a real success.
By Maryz Bessaguet, in collaboration with Liliane Roudiere (La Geste). 35 euros.
2 The Oléronais Camhug in the mountains
“Far from the fury of the world”. Established on the island of Oléron for several years, the Camhug couple (nickname given by aficionados of these two authors) have carved out a nice reputation in the world of crime fiction. For their new opus, the action takes place in a mountainous region. Municipal police officer, Alix will have to investigate the disappearance of her best friend in the Machecombe forest. This thriller is addictive from the first pages and the mysteries are as thick as the forest…
By Jérôme Camut and Nathalie Hug (Black River). €21.90.
3 Polar rural
“Deer.” Gritty, this rural thriller tells the adventures of a British citizen who is not well accepted (to say the least!) by the local population. Several nods to Haute-Saintonge appear in this caustic book, with its joyful energy and characters who are all crazy and lost. Visually, this gripping thriller could well give rise to a screen adaptation.
By Sébastien Gendron (Gallimard, “la Noire” collection). 20 euros.
4 Between Cognac and Ré
“Deadly Cognac Cocktail”. Even if the title highlights Cognac, most of this thriller takes place in the Île de Ré and Charente-Maritime. This novel can be read in one go and reveals a true love of words from the author… who has the particularity of being a business manager in the Vals de Saintonge. Successful, this thriller is worth the depth of the characters and the veracity of the situations.
By Fabrice Dayron (La Bouinotte). €14.50.
5 The beauties of Saintonge
“Remarkable Saintonge”. With the words of the guide speaker Stéphanie Roumegous and the images of Pascal Baudry, the Saintonge benefits from a lovely spotlight. Although it is less economically prosperous than its big sister in Aunis, Saintonge stands out for its exceptional architectural and natural heritage. This book pays him a very nice tribute.
By Stéphanie Roumegous and Pascal Baudry (La Geste). €39.90.
6 A forgotten author…
“Jarousseau, the shepherd of the desert”. A specialist in rediscovered authors, the small La Rochelle publishing house Amok likes to bring the great authors of the 19th century out of oblivion.e. This is the case with Eugène Pelletan (1813-1884). Born in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, this Protestant with a brilliant mind (journalist, politician and writer) was the friend of the greatest like Victor Hugo and Alphonse de Lamartine. Emile Zola had great admiration for him. Olivier Ginestet has published two of his books. In “Jarousseau, the pastor of the desert”, he evokes his father-in-law Jean.
By Eugène Pelletan (Amok). 13 euros. Afterword by Olivier Ginestet.
7 The story told by Mr. and Mrs. Toutlemonde
“Fragments of life, occupation and liberation of Charente-Maritime”. Most of the events or rather scenes in this book come from anonymous testimonies. It is not a history book – the author is not a historian – but fragments of life put end to end to form a whole illustrating this tormented period. In this book we find a multitude of small events in people's lives that impact big History. We meet everyday heroes, people who asked for nothing, resistance fighters, some of whom were “at the last hour”, notorious collaborators… In the end, simple people, supporting roles in the great tragedy that was this world war. .
By Michel Téodosijevic (La Geste). €12.90.
8 And to know everything about our territory
“The illustrated almanac of the Charentes”.It is a great classic whose success cannot be denied. There you will find recipes, gardening advice but also games and articles on local heritage. This practical work will satisfy all Charentais whether they are from the 16th or 17th!
Sud Ouest Editions. €10.90.
