Pensée assise
(Seated thought) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
Sofia and Théo are happy together, but Théo, a wheelchair user, is obsessed with wanting to kiss his girlfriend standing up, like his able-bodied friends. He hates seeing Sofia bend over to kiss him when they are out and about. The only place he feels at ease is in the swimming pool, where they are on the same level. Théo becomes increasingly bitter and withdrawn and eventually dumps Sofia out of the blue. Can he get over his anger and win back the woman he loves?
Edited by: Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
Comment:
An unusual, interesting novel on relationships and disability, exploring the range of emotions teenagers might feel when they become paraplegic, from bitterness and self-loathing to a sense of inferiority. Théo’s anger sometimes makes him lash out at people who want to help. Eventually his best friend tells him some home truths, opening his eyes to his behaviour. Théo is a complex, touching character who wants to show others there is more to him than his wheelchair. A fine novel with a striking voice and biting wit.