I picked up Le Premier Livre expecting one thing and got something completely different—in the best way. Written by the real-life father-son duo Albert A. Méras and Baptiste Méras, the book feels intensely personal, blurring the lines between fiction and a shared family history.

The Story

The plot is deceptively simple. An aging father and his adult son navigate their strained relationship, mostly through mundane routines and hesitant conversations. The central 'conflict' is an absence: the titular 'first book.' This refers to a manuscript the father once wrote, a project that failed or was abandoned, and which represents a pivotal, painful moment in their shared past. The son is trying to understand his father, and the father is grappling with his own legacy and regrets. The narrative unfolds in quiet moments—over a shared meal, during a walk, in the silence of the father's study. The mystery isn't about finding a physical book; it's about uncovering the emotional truth buried with it.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in showing, not telling. The authors don't spell out the past tragedy; they let you feel its presence in every awkward pause and every glance that doesn't quite meet. The characters are so real they could be people you know. You feel the son's frustrated love and the father's quiet pride mixed with deep regret. The theme of unspoken family history is universal. It made me think about the stories in my own family that are hinted at but never fully explained. It’s not a sad book, exactly, but it’s a deeply reflective one that sits with you long after you finish the last page.

Final Verdict

Le Premier Livre is perfect for readers who love character studies and don't need a fast-paced plot to be captivated. If you enjoyed the quiet intensity of novels like Gilead by Marilynne Robinson or the familial tensions in Kazuo Ishiguro's work, you'll find a lot to love here. It's for anyone who has ever looked at a parent and wondered about the life they lived before you knew them. A beautiful, poignant, and unforgettable read.