The Confidant [Paperback]

Translated from the French, Helene Gremillon's engaging and unusual debut novel 'The Confidant' is set in two time frames: one story set in the mid 1970s, and the other set in the 1930s-1940s. In 1975 we meet Camille, who lives and works in Paris as a book editor, and we are first introduced to her shortly after the premature death of her mother. Among the letters of condolence she receives, Camille is surprised to find a long, handwritten letter from someone called Louis, who begins by telling Camille the story of his relationship with a young girl called Annie which started in the years leading up to the Second World War. The letter ends after several pages but Camille feels there is a lot more to Louis and Annie's story, and she is not wrong, because exactly one week after the first letter, Camille receives a second letter containing the next instalment, and the same thing happens the following week. Camille does not know any of the people mentioned in the letters and is intrigued, but then as the letters keep coming, and she gets drawn further into Louis' and Annie's story, Camille realizes that she is not only intrigued, but also just a little frightened.

We learn from the letters sent to Camille that Louis and Annie first become friendly as children living in the same village and going to the same school, growing closer as they become older. However, when they are teenagers, a young married, childless couple, Monsieur and Madame M, move into the chateau near to their homes, and when Madame M and Annie become very friendly, Louis feels rather excluded. As Annie and Madame M's intimacy grows, Madame M confides a secret to Annie and, in consequence, they decide to carry out a deception (which I shall not reveal in case I spoil the story for prospective readers) which will have life changing and far reaching consequences for all involved. But what does all of this have to do with Camille?

This is an engaging and rather absorbing story that pulls you in from the first few pages and one that is full of passion and jealousy, love and betrayal, and about how secrets from the past do not always remain buried there. Each of the main characters in the story has the chance to tell their version of events to the reader in first person narrated sections, and it was interesting to hear the same story being told from different perspectives. Overall I found this novel an enjoyable read and finished it in one sitting - however, if I am entirely honest, I should mention that I found the plot rather implausible in some places and a little predictable in others and I felt the writing was rather over dramatic at times. That said, Helene Gremillon is a stylish storyteller and her debut novel does have a charm of its own. I found this an entertaining and very Gallic read with a rather unusual ending - all of which has aroused my interest in this new French author and will encourage me to look out for her next novel to see how her writing develops.

3.5 Stars.

Opening in Paris, 1970, but with its origins in and around the second world war, this is a dark and emotionally-powerful story of love, secrets and lies.

Told through a series of first-person narratives which nestle within each other like a set of Russian dolls, we are constantly peeling back layers of untruths until the stark story is finally exposed by the end.

The contemporary narrative takes a while to pick up pace and interest and I was frustrated to start with as it kept interrupting the story of the past but, eventually, the various strands weave together in a satisfactory manner.

The translation from the French feels deft and unobtrusive, and while the war is in the background, this isn't in any sense a war narrative.

So this feels very accomplished in the way that it unfolds. It's restrained and sensitive, and literary in style - if you enjoy emotionally-fraught tales of love (maternal as well as sexual love) with an aura of Parisian sophistication, then this may suit very well.

Throughout The Confidant, each main character narrates in the first person. Camille is the only narrator in present time (Paris 1975) and the story weaves and builds as we become a part of each narrator's perspective.

In Paris 1975, Camille has been opening letters of condolence after the death of her mother. It is in amongst those letters that the first `letter' from Louis arrives. Interspersed through the letters we spend time with Camille, finding out details about her life. Camille is a publisher and at first thinks the letters may have been sent from an author who knows a manuscript wouldn't be read for a long time. As the story progresses, Camille starts to intuit where she fits into the tale that is being told.

From Louis we find out about Annie and her place in his life since childhood. The reader is also a part of their reunion in German occupied Paris in 1945. The next perspective is from Annie herself. We find out how Madame M became a part of her life, the fateful day of Madame M's confession and her poignant role of confidant. Annie's narrative is heartbreaking in places. From this I had made up my mind how I felt about Madame M. However, the final narrative from Madame M herself fills in and overlaps the previous characters stories and her revelations give us knowledge we didn't have previously. Knowing the truth adds a host of different emotions and makes the reader reflect on what is already known to modify those beliefs.

Besides the emotional journey, the descriptions of the places are written in such a way that they come to life. For example Annie wondering the streets of occupied Paris are amazing. I could feel myself with her, dazed and confused. Louis and Annie out after curfew felt so real as well. I feel as if I have spent time in France both in villages and the city!

The Confidant is an honest portrayal of a young girl's desire to help without having the maturity to have thought her decision through in reality. It's a story of social expectations and a mature woman's deep-seated need to fit in with them ... and the fear and doubt that accompanies any intimate relationship that doesn't fulfil societies expectations. It is an emotional journey that builds up layer upon layer and affects future generations. This is a debut novel I definitely recommend for your bookshelf.

The Confidant is translated from French by Alison Anderson.

I would like to thank Gallic Books for offering The Confidant for review via Twitter.