The Dreamers

Set in Paris during the spring of 1968, this novel follows a young American student and two cinephiles as they retreat into a world of obsession, only to face harsh realities.

The Dreamers is set in Paris during the spring of 1968, a time when the city is awakening to a spirit of social and political change. The story follows Théo and his twin sister Isabelle, along with Matthew, an American student they befriend. United by their passion for cinema, the trio becomes engrossed in the world of film, spending their nights at the Cinémathèque Française, where they indulge in their obsession for classic movies. Their lives revolve around the flickering images on the screen, creating a cocoon that separates them from the outside world.

However, their cinematic sanctuary is abruptly disrupted when the French government orders the closure of the Cinémathèque. In response, Théo, Isabelle, and Matthew retreat into an isolated universe of their own making. Within the confines of their apartment, they engage in a series of increasingly intense and intimate games, shedding both their clothing and inhibitions. This self-imposed seclusion allows them to explore their desires and the complexities of their relationships, but it also leads them down a path of emotional turmoil.

As the political unrest outside their walls intensifies, the boundaries of their insular world begin to crumble. The encroachment of reality brings with it tragic consequences, forcing the trio to confront the consequences of their escapism. The Dreamers offers a profound exploration of desire, identity, and the impact of external forces on personal relationships, all while drawing on the rich tradition of French romanticism.