During trying times, each person faces their problems as best they can. But one thing is certain: sooner or later, everyone will experience phenomena such as grief, infidelity, family secrets, ambition, or even work addiction. Despite the wide range of these subjects, which touch almost everyone, it is not always easy to know where to find help and how to act when such a trial befalls us. While some turn to sports, art, or outings with friends, others read. Here is an author who might help you if you are going through a life challenge and who will help you grow, regardless of your age.
Agnès Martin-Lugand, a French novelist and trained psychologist, is not new to writing. This author self-published her first novel in 2013 and has since continued to impress us with her writing style and her themes, which are so essential yet sometimes still taboo among our loved ones.
The first book of hers that I had the chance to hold in my hands was her novel published in 2020, “Nos résiliences.” At the time, I had not yet experienced problems similar to those addressed in this book. I did not have children, I had no marriage to save, and I did not need to rediscover a part of myself that had been buried under routine for too long. Nevertheless, I had a major moment of self-reflection at the end of reading this book. I finally learned that this is the Agnès effect. With each reading of her books, I come away feeling a little more grown and always more alive.
I believe that her books come to you when you need them. Whether or not you are in a similar situation, each reading of one of Madame Martin-Lugand’s masterpieces is an ode to life, a reminder of humility and kindness, a madeleine de Proust, a sweet moment that you deserve to offer yourself and that makes you grow. Each book puts us back on the path of life, allows us to enjoy it, to flourish. Each work frees us a little more from the invisible ties that hold us all back: illness, work, routine, fear, sadness…
A complete psychotherapy in just a few pages… her books are a feat of French literature. I could present each book in detail, but this article would be too long. I will simply focus on my favorite, her book released in 2021 by Michel Lafon: “La Datcha,” for which Agnès received the “Les petits mots des libraires” award.
We follow Hermine, who has been working at La Datcha for 20 years. She knows the hotel like no one else, never hesitates to work more than necessary. She found refuge there when she had nothing and built her home over the years with Jo and Macha in the provincial hotel. But for some time now, between her separation, children, and work, she no longer knows who she really is and does not take time for herself. When La Datcha loses one of its owners, her world shakes, and Hermine finds herself having to face the grief of her adoptive father while managing the hotel with a firm hand. “La Datcha” is the story of a woman who was given a second chance in life, it is the story of a place that holds so many memories, a place where new ones are created, and where the past and present are discovered. It is above all a human, touching, and comforting story. It shows the power of kindness, love, patience, and work. “La Datcha” has the power to tell Hermine’s story and help you write your own in your own “Datcha.” This book talks about succession, inheritance, reunions, family, and trust. It is a sweet, deeply touching story that takes you to the south of France, with more than endearing characters.
Each story written by this author will allow you to breathe when the air is lacking, reconnect with your feelings, brighten cloudy days, and embark on a journey even while staying in your own “Datcha.” Simple stories that prove the complexity of feelings, an in-depth analysis of what we feel in situations each of us can find ourselves in. The books written by Agnès Martin-Lugand are as beautifully poetic as they are easy to understand. Her sentences glide over you and take you to Saint Malo, Paris, Provence, Ireland, and many
other places. Reading one of her books offers you a soothing journey of the soul toward a serenity and peace that few books can offer.
You get it; we celebrate the writing of a fabulous French author and everyone around the world should have at least one of her books on their shelves.
