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Collapse by Édouard Louis review
In the latest autofictional instalment of his family saga, the French writer makes sense of his sibling’s violent homophobia and short life
TL;DR
- Édouard Louis's latest novel, Collapse, focuses on the death of his eldest brother from alcoholism.
- The brother was violently homophobic, and his drinking negatively impacted Louis's life.
- Louis struggles to reconcile his emotional distance from his brother with the social and psychological factors contributing to his decline.
- The novel explores the concept of "The Wound" as a deeply ingrained trauma stemming from parental rejection and early death.
- Louis utilizes literature and philosophical concepts to gain perspective on his brother's life and suffering.
- Collapse is contrasted with "Monique Escapes," highlighting his mother's ability to overcome adversity and find liberation through writing.
- The book is presented as a metaphysical inquest, incorporating various forms like testimony and scripted dialogue.