Three Days and a Life

In a small town, a child's disappearance alters lives forever. Three Days and a Life explores guilt, trauma, and the quest for escape.

In Three Days and a Life, the story unfolds in a quaint town called Beauval, where twelve-year-old Antoine navigates the complexities of life in the shadow of his parents' divorce. Surrounded by forests and a close-knit community, the town is a place where secrets linger just beneath the surface. As the year 1999 draws to a close, a series of tragic events leads to the mysterious disappearance of a young child, shaking the very foundation of the town's everyday life. For Antoine, the catalyst for this upheaval is the violent death of his neighbor's dog, an incident that intertwines his fate with that of Rémi, the neighbor's six-year-old son.

As the years pass and Rémi remains missing, Antoine grapples with guilt and the consequences of his actions. The narrative delves deep into his psyche, exploring themes of innocence lost and the haunting nature of unresolved trauma. The suffocating atmosphere of Beauval becomes a prison for Antoine, who is consumed by the need to escape his past. The tension builds as he realizes that no matter how far he runs, the shadows of his childhood choices loom large.

Three Days and a Life is a gripping thriller that masterfully captures the essence of noir storytelling. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the novel invites readers to ponder the weight of guilt and the lengths one might go to in order to find redemption. Translated from French by Frank Wynne, this tale is both haunting and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.