The Living

In The Living, a summer outing leads to a tragic event that forces a family to confront their deepest emotions and the nature of life and death.

In The Living, the narrative explores the juxtaposition of youthful innocence and the harsh realities of life. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic summer day, the story unfolds through the perspective of Benoît, a teenage brother accompanying his young mother and her two small children to a deserted quarry. As the sun blazes overhead, the warmth of the day contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil that is about to unfold. The novel poses a poignant question: how can one imagine the worst when life appears so bright and full of promise?

The plot thickens when Benoît, in an attempt to entertain his nephews, sends them down a cableway to a pylon across the river. What follows is a harrowing event that irrevocably alters the course of their lives. Pascale Kramer’s prose is both artfully simple and deeply evocative, capturing the unspoken emotions and complexities that lie beneath the surface of familial relationships. The characters grapple with their feelings of loss and the haunting question of whether to cling to the living or to the memories of the dead.

The Living is a powerful exploration of suffering and resilience, revealing how tragedy can reshape our understanding of love and connection. As the characters navigate their grief, readers are invited to reflect on the fragility of life and the enduring impact of loss. This novel serves as a reminder that even in the brightest moments, shadows can linger, challenging our perceptions of happiness and sorrow.