The End of Eddy: A Novel (Unabridged)
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4.0 • 7 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
An autobiographical novel about growing up gay in a working-class town in Picardy.
"Every morning in the bathroom I would repeat the same phrase to myself over and over again... Today I'm really gonna be a tough guy." Growing up in a poor village in northern France, all Eddy Bellegueule wanted was to be a man in the eyes of his family and neighbors. But from childhood, he was different - "girlish," intellectually precocious, and attracted to other men.
Already translated into twenty languages, The End of Eddy captures the violence and desperation of life in a French factory town. It is also a sensitive, universal portrait of boyhood and sexual awakening. Like Karl Ove Knausgaard or Edmund White, Édouard Louis writes from his own undisguised experience, but he writes with an openness and a compassionate intelligence that are all his own. The result - a critical and popular triumph - has made him the most celebrated French writer of his generation.
Customer Reviews
Highly recommended
The End of Eddy is a captivating semi-autobiographical novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of the protagonist, Eddy. Set in a small French village, the novel vividly depicts Eddy's experiences as he navigates the complexities of growing up in a working-class community. Through the eyes of Eddy, readers are exposed to the intricate issues of class, sexuality, and identity, which are masterfully woven into the fabric of the story by author Édouard Louis. The novel is a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by those born into a world that is not always kind to them and is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of the human experience. The End of Eddy provides a necessary perspective on the operations of heterosexism and its societal, political, and psychological impact. The book delves into the pervasive influence of societal expectations and norms that are rooted in heterosexism and their profound impact on individuals. It offers a detailed account of Eddy's upbringing in a working-class neighborhood in France and how these norms affected his life. The narrative highlights the struggles, challenges, and discrimination that Eddy faced and the ways in which he navigated through them with resilience and courage. The book presents a compelling portrayal of the complexity of human experience and the need for greater awareness and empathy towards those who face discrimination and prejudice. Eddy's battle with his sexuality and the ruthless pressure to conform to traditional heterosexual roles and behaviors highlights the psychological toll of heterosexism. I appreciate the novel's portal of Eddy's experiences and how it explores the concepts of all in all. The End Of Eddy is a thought-provoking and compelling story, and I encourage everyone to read it and apply it to their own life and experiences regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
Wow
Wow. This book is so captivating. The emotions that Eddy runs through in his journey to accepting himself are explained in captivating detail. An amazing story and exceptionally narrated by Graham Halstead. I read this on recommendation from another author and was blown away by the writing and the story.