KRISS55, contributor to the 20 Minutes Books reading group, recommends “Grander Than the Sky” by Virginie Grimaldi, published on May 1, 2024 by Éditions Flammarion.
His favorite quote:
“ Vincent looked at his work with a devoid of indulgence. He loved nothing more than writing, hearing the idea germinate, the characters talking to him, seeing the fog lift while he typed frantically on his keyboard, searching for the right word, the rhythm that clicked, letting himself be surprised by unexpected directions, feeling the cogs of one’s imagination set in motion, seeing the pages turn black, and, from all these letters placed end to end, a story is born. Conversely, rereading was torture. Like seeing yourself on a poster or hearing yourself on the radio. He wondered how he could have devoted so many hours to laying such dung, the characters suddenly seemed grotesque to him, the story dispensable, the style anecdotal. He took positive criticism with distance and negative criticism to heart, because he had the painful habit of agreeing with the latter. »
Why this book?
- Because this book is very personal: Virginie Grimaldi is both Vincent, the popular novelist and Elsa, the woman who has just lost her father. In an end note, the author says about this book: “Her writing was as trying as it was saving. He was born in a time full of grief…” This gives additional authenticity to the characters.
- Because writing combines lightness to moving subjects, a somewhat derisory way of saying things without it seeming. When the novelist paints the portrait of these damaged people who need to consult, it is smiles that light up their sorrows.
- Because Virginie Grimaldi, in a mise en abyss, makes nods to the profession of a successful writer. She puts words, remarks, reflections into Vincent’s mouth that must have delighted her. She evokes the pleasure of writing, the effect of notoriety, the support of readers, harsh criticism, writing that resembles an electrocardiogram at the end of the signing session, failure and even the change of direction. publisher, knowing that she has just joined Flammarion with this new novel!
- Because this book will comfort you by enveloping your reading with modesty, sensitivity and humor.
The essentials in 2 minutes
The plot. She has just lost her father. He hides his biggest wound. Elsa and Vincent meet every Wednesday in their psychiatrist’s waiting room. These fragile moments are at the origin of an improbable encounter which was not, however, placed under the best auspices.
Characters. Elsa, funeral advisor. Vincent Privat, successful writer. Tristan, Elsa’s son. Lou and Juliette, Vincent’s daughters. Doctor Chaumet, psychiatrist, and other characters who meet Vincent and Elsa.
Places. Bordeaux and surrounding areas.
The time. Undetermined dates: the year of a storm in the South-West then 3 years later and the epilogue 20 years later.
The author. Virginie Grimaldi was born in 1977 in Bordeaux where she still lives. She is the most read French novelist in 2019, 2020, 2021; she sold more than seven million copies in ten years for nine novels.
This book was read with the jubilation of sharing the author’s self-deprecation on reviews of successful literature.
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