Aurélie Valognes

Bring on that feel-good factor with Aurélie Valognes and Le Tourbillon de la vie. The whirlwind in this instance is Louis an eight year old boy who is spending the summer with his grandfather. A loving relationship develops between the two. Papy finds himself living alone, he has been diagnosed with an illness that will lead to memory loss, but has kept this to himself wishing to enjoy perhaps one last summer with his grandchild. He has been a stage actor and like some in that profession his ego and his pride have carried him away from his wife and his daughter. He realises that he has been selfish and perhaps stubborn and the love that remains with him is for Louis.

Valognes tells the story from an omnipresent point of view with short interjections from Papy at the start of each short chapter. He sometimes reflects on his past, but also tells us how he is thinking at the moment, he has always kept a diary. He comes to depend on Louis and the relationship changes from adult to child and back again for the two of them. To make the story work, the eight year old boy is wise well beyond his age, growing up remarkable quickly during an idyllic summer holiday.

Valognes tells her story simply and well creating an atmosphere that is a pleasure to read. She muses on feelings of empathy, of time passing and reflections on a full life now coming towards its end. Papy says he does not regret anything, but this last summer exposes a more gentle heart in a man coping with his coming demise. A gentle quiet book that does not challenge the idea that love will conquer all. Reading it is a bit like taking a warm bath, relaxing and enjoyable, but it does not last for long and you must get out, get dressed and face the world. 3 stars.… (more)