Sarah, Susanne et l’écrivain by Eric Reinhardt (2023)

In this book, the author embarks on a unique narrative journey intertwined with the confidences of a reader named Sarah, who has endured a harrowing experience due to her husband. The narrative takes a metafictional turn, much like the author’s previous bestseller, “L’amour et les forêts,” which was recently adapted into a film. Sarah confides in the author, whom she greatly admires, with the hope that he will transform her life story into a novel. In this narrative, Sarah assumes the pseudonym Susanne, and the author engages in ongoing discussions with her, even altering her last name to better suit her preferences.

The text operates on three distinct narrative levels: that of the author and Sarah, that of Sarah and that of Suzanne. The stories of these two women share similarities, yet they are peppered with subtle differences and variations. Both women share a passion for the arts – one, a former architect, creates intricate light installations in her garden, while the other dabbles in drawing and attempts her hand at literature. This narrative structure weaves a delicate web of mirrors, offering insights into artistic creation and the multifaceted nature of perception. However, it also introduces an element of inevitable repetition, requiring the reader to delve into the past to decipher the storyteller, whether it be Sarah or Susanne.

The initial impetus for Sarah’s narrative is her dissatisfaction with her marriage. She senses that her husband has grown distant and realizes that she doesn’t have an equal claim to their home. The financial arrangement they have – he covers the mortgage, while she pays living expenses – leads to an inequitable partnership. Her husband’s lack of concern is most evident when she undergoes a breast cancer operation, as he appears more preoccupied with the property they must relinquish than with her health. Following her treatment, she decides not to return to work and instead takes time off to reflect on her life and make her husband reassess their relationship. She moves out, but her husband interprets this as an abandonment of their marital home, blaming her for their two children’s welfare.