Mélissa Rivet Deweer published in December Rose délavéeThis first novel has grown with her through life’s experiences, notably the loss of her own father, Jacques Rivet, which prompted her to take a deeper look at things and family relationships. This emotionally-charged novel recounts the birth of a woman in search of herself. Dominique Bellier
Pure family fiction, in which the narrator is also the main character, Rose délavée takes place in the hushed milieu of the French upper middle class. It’s clear from the second page that, rather than being a bland color, this title represents Rose, the narrator, who has an unfortunate tendency to denigrate herself, living under the toxic influence of a hurtful, sadistic mother. Her late father, on the other hand, constantly encouraged her.
Rose begins her story with the outdated medical concept of hysteria. Her hypersensitivity and her lucid view of the attitudes of those around her probably earn her this introductory reflection. She’s getting married to Max, who calls her “baby” and always plays things down. He notes, however, that his future wife is fading and seems less and less motivated by the marriage project.
At the opposite end of the spectrum from her mother is godmother Eléonore, whom Rose respects and admires, to the point of making her her mentor. A passionate psychologist, the author describes her characters’ bourgeois interiors, clothes and attitudes with unrestrained delight and real talent. The narrator’s psychological complexity is reflected and evolves into… bright pink.
This book is an inner monologue, spanning several years, which sees the emergence of a personality in search of meaning, despite the castrating influence of a mother, money that rules too much, and burdensome family secrets.