Édouard Louis in Monique s’évade reveals his mom’s bravery. She is finally choosing herself and deciding that she does not deserve this. “This” is verbal abuse and daily insults flying out of her tormentor’s mouth once his whiskey drink is finished. 

The author shows the reality of what it means to “escape” this life for a better one, yet an unknown one which can represent an insurmountable journey for the thousands of people who suffer this violence. 

Louis will accompany her in this process, taking care of her even while he’s physically distant. At the end, he will finally get closer and repair some past wounds. 

More than an escape and freedom story, this is a glimpse of the practical social, logistical, and economic realities which constrain or even make escape unthinkable for many depending on the individual’s situation. 

An optimistic and heartwarming book, full of hope.

Monique s’évade by Édouard Louis, Cadre Rouge, Seuil
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Mila Thomas

Mila is an intern at Albertine Books during her gap year before ending her Master Degree at Sciences Po Toulouse. She’s loved reading since she was a little girl and is proud to say that she was the big winner of a 2nd grade contest where you had to read as many books as possible in one week! From fantasy and feel good novels, to darker stories, Mila is open to discovering all kinds of worlds.

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