Patrick Grainville's 'La joie d'Aurélie' Explores Family Violence in the Pyrenees
Patrick Grainville's novel 'La joie d'Aurélie', published by Éditions du Seuil, delves into the tragic dynamics of a family gathering in the Pyrenees to celebrate a centenarian grandmother. The narrative opens with a powerful scene of sex and death, setting the stage for jealousy, murder, and buried passions. For years, the crime remains hidden until a woman violently awakens the dormant family beast. Grainville's lyrical prose contrasts with Pasolini's 'Teorema', embracing a pagan, visceral approach that intertwines humans, wolves, and landscapes. Women lead the dance, described with jubilant sensuality. The review by Jacques Henric highlights the novel's exploration of love and hate within the family, echoing Aristotle's notion of the family as a tragic locus.
Key facts
- Patrick Grainville is the author of 'La joie d'Aurélie'.
- The novel is published by Éditions du Seuil.
- The story is set in the Pyrenees during a centenarian grandmother's birthday celebration.
- The novel opens with a scene of sex and death.
- Themes include jealousy, murder, and family secrets.
- Grainville's style is described as lyrical and pagan.
- Women are central to the narrative.
- The review was written by Jacques Henric.
Entities
Artists
- Patrick Grainville
- Jacques Henric
Institutions
- Éditions du Seuil
Locations
- Pyrenees
Sources
- artpress —