MARIELLE

by Peter Davey

Henri Véron – a prosperous Parisian dentist – has just turned fifty and his once-happy marriage has gone cold. Then a chance meeting with a stranger in an underground car-park offers a prospect of renewed life, love and happiness. But he has no contact details – only a name. Should he track this woman down – even if it leads him into Paris’ seediest underbelly? And, if he finds her, how will it affect his marriage, his family and his ordered, respectable life?

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2015

Reviews

[Wendy Janes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henri is in the throes of a midlife crisis. Will he succumb to temptation or remain living the humdrum life of a Parisian dentist and dutiful husband? Or is there, perhaps, another option?

I love the way this author writes about Henri’s obsession. What could have been a cliché is given depth and authenticity. Henri has only met Marielle for a brief moment, but her physical absence doesn’t stop her slowly but surely filling his mind with her presence, influencing his actions, and highlighting the fragility of his stagnant marriage.

Despite the fact that Henri is contemplating adultery, somehow the author makes him a sympathetic character. At one point I wanted to shout at him because I was worried for his safety.

There’s the hint of a thriller as Henri searches for clues about the identity and whereabouts of a woman he’s only met once.