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A review by bookwormjimmy
Change: A Novel by Édouard Louis
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is Édouard Louis' autobiographical book about his life growing up poor in Amiens, France and the transformation he underwent as he came of age and eventually discovered his identity. The book is raw and personable and unflinching. He recalls various moments from his life that most people would rather hide away, and it's these very vulnerable moments that make him such a transformative writer. His metamorphosis in life was not only intellectual and emotional, but even physical as well as he struggled to become the person he wanted to be, the people who can nonchalantly stroll down the avenue in the bustling city of Paris and appear to not have a care in the world.
But this inner turmoil is also his vice, the thing that breaks him over and over again throughout his life. He constantly reflects on these decisions, these moments in time and relationships with people that he's had with all throughout. It's heart-wrenching just to experience these moments with him as he takes the reader on the journey.
The book is told in first person, but almost like a letter with Louis addressing the reader as 'you.' Most often he's talking to his father, but almost anyone in his life can take the place of the 'you' he refers to throughout. This is what makes the book tick and gives it life to the reader. It's almost as if he's talking to you and you have to quietly remind yourself that you don't need to defend yourself against all these allegations.
If you're looking for a touching memoir about life and identity, check this one out.
But this inner turmoil is also his vice, the thing that breaks him over and over again throughout his life. He constantly reflects on these decisions, these moments in time and relationships with people that he's had with all throughout. It's heart-wrenching just to experience these moments with him as he takes the reader on the journey.
The book is told in first person, but almost like a letter with Louis addressing the reader as 'you.' Most often he's talking to his father, but almost anyone in his life can take the place of the 'you' he refers to throughout. This is what makes the book tick and gives it life to the reader. It's almost as if he's talking to you and you have to quietly remind yourself that you don't need to defend yourself against all these allegations.
If you're looking for a touching memoir about life and identity, check this one out.