Mauvais fils
(Bad son) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
Ghislain is just out of adolescence when he discovers he is attracted to men. He must overcome his own prejudice as well as that of his friends and family to achieve self-acceptance. He can no longer bear hiding his sexual orientation from everyone around him: pretending to be something he is not triggers intense panic attacks. Ghislain does not feel welcome in his family, with his mother constantly asking if he has a girlfriend and a father who wants to make a man of him. His father eventually throws him out and he is forced to cut contact with his family. He gradually pieces his life back together with the loyal help of his best friend, his friend’s mother, and his first boyfriend.
Edited by: Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
Comment:
Mauvais garçon is a challenging read, both for the brutality of the events and for Ghislain’s journey to self-acceptance, which can only take place once he breaks with his family. The author sensitively describes how suppressing his homosexuality damages Ghislain, who finds it hard to face and feels abnormal. Discovering his sexuality and meeting his first boyfriend gradually leads to self-acceptance and lets him stand up to his father. The book also touches on the importance of friendships and ends on a hopeful note. It was published with the support of Amnesty International and was nominated for the Prix Izzo 2016.