The People In The Photo
Hélène Gestern; Emily Boyce (translator) and Ros Schwartz
(translator)
Gallic Books, Jun 10 2014, $14.95
ISBN: 9781908313546
Hélène Hivert
knows next to nothing about her mom who died when she was three. Over the years, her father refuses to speak
about her mom. She becomes excited when
she finds a photo of her mom taken with two men after she had won the 1971
Interlaken Amateur Tennis Tournament Ladies’ Single. One of the men in the picture is listed as P.
Crusten winner of the Men’s Single.
Hélène takes out a newspaper ad seeking
info re the people in the photo. Swiss
biologist Stéphane Crusten responds to her ad
by sending her a copy of his dad’s Geneva Tennis Club membership card that also
contains a photo. Excited Hélène responds and soon the pair
exchange correspondences and find more photos of their respective parents. However, the truth may not set them free as the
picture begins to focus with each wondering if they were better off not knowing.
The People In The Photo is an entertaining family drama told
mostly through snail mail and email. Hélène and Stéphane are a delight to follow
as their moods change throughout the engaging storyline. Though somewhat passive, fans who appreciate
something different will enjoy Hélène Gestern’s refreshing family
drama.
Harriet Klausner
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