ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Philippe Forest's 'L'Enfant éternel' Reviewed by Jacques Henric

opinion-review · 2026-04-23

Jacques Henric reviews Philippe Forest's novel 'L'Enfant éternel', which recounts the illness and death of the author's four-year-old daughter. Published as fiction, the book blurs the line between reality and symbolism, serving as both a testament of grief and a revolt against human cruelty rather than divine injustice. Henric praises Forest for breaking stereotypes about mourning and for capturing the poignant maturity of a young child facing death.

Key facts

  • Philippe Forest wrote 'L'Enfant éternel' about his daughter's death.
  • The book is published as a novel.
  • Jacques Henric wrote the review for artpress.
  • The review appeared in the March 1997 issue of artpress.
  • Forest's daughter was four years old at the time of her death.
  • The book is described as both a work of pain and revolt.
  • Henric notes the book challenges clichés about grief.
  • The review is part of a feuilleton series by Jacques Henric.

Entities

Artists

  • Philippe Forest
  • Jacques Henric

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources