“Les Balcons de la Loire”

Nantes, the quay of leaning houses. 

Seated on a bench facing the Loire, beneath the balconies of the old shipowners’ premises, Paul awaits the decision of the Administrative Court, which is set to rule on the fate of Yordi, a lycée pupil from the Caucasus who has the threat of expulsion hanging over him. Paul begins an inner monologue. The tidal range is high today and the Loire changes strangely beneath his eyes. Gradually, like the estuary waters, the past rises up before him: 

Grosny 1997, France 1944... 

Can he ever escape this dual rhythm of the tide that rises to wash over the city in his heart? 

Published by LA PART COMMUNE – June 2012 

160 pages - €16