And now you are allowed to every man
Plastered on large posters across Paris, the cover of Eliette Abecassis’ new novel is one of the highlights of this autumn’s literary season. After “Une affaire conjugale” (Albin Michel, 2010), the author continues her meticulous investigation into the heart of a Jewish woman trying to divorce the father of her child.
The pitch in a nutshell: it’s the story of a Jewish bookseller named Anna. She is the mother of a little girl. Divorced almost three years ago from Simon Attal, this young mother is not yet a free woman. She is still bound to her ex-husband. Indeed, he still hasn’t given her the “guet”. This is the religious divorce pronounced by the Rabbinical Court. The problem is that only the husband can consent, of his own free will, to the delivery of the famous guet. Throughout the novel, Anna recounts her quest to regain her freedom to love Sacha, her new partner.
Inspired by real events, the book is gripping and emotionally powerful. The first feeling you get when reading this novel is one of repugnance towards the archaic practice of “the lookout”.
Then we quickly become hooked on this woman torn between her faith and love. More than an affair between a couple, this is a true investigation into Jewish divorce. In her inspired style, the author helps us to better understand the interstices of religion. It’s also a book that militates for the renovation of certain religious laws that may now seem outdated and humiliating for women. Last but not least, it’s a wonderful love story, a story of reclaiming a wounded self.
In short, an intense, feverish novel that we highly recommend.
“Et te voici permise à tout homme” by Eliette Abecassis
17 euros
Albin Michel
In bookshops since August 18
Julien Tissot
[email protected]
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
