Hate: A Romance Book

"In the end the connections among several beings last only for a certain culminating moment in life, and the strong feelings that rise up, joining three or four people together, to the point of obsession, come back down again and finally leave nothing in our memories except the form of a bell curve - which one must leave behind, just as it is."

This philosophical and cerebral novel has, at its core, the relationships among four friends. William (Willie) Miller, Dominique (Doume) Rossi, Jean-Michel (Leibo) Leibowitz, and the narrator, Elizabeth (Liz) Levallois. Through their experiences, this young, first-time author examines many cultural aspects (gay rights, the political situation, sexual liberation) in a way that allows the reader to feel the characters' beliefs strongly on both sides of each issue. These four friends, dedicated to each other at the beginning of the novel, gradually succumb to the pressures of their ideologies and part ways, becoming vengeful and bitter enemies.

It is my hope that French author Garcia continues to write powerful, mind-churning novels. Having already won the 2008 Prix de Flore for this first novel, he should aspire to one day enter the Pantheon of great French philosopher-authors like Voltaire, Sartre and Camus. Though this was a difficult read demanding intense concentration, in the end it was a worthwhile one. It encourages the reader not only to examine the political and philosophical issues which affect his/her life, but also to examine the true nature of friendship.

Thanks to bookseller Charles at the Northshire Bookstore for recommending this book via a shelf talker.

Grade: B+