The Story

The novel follows a group of friends from the French countryside. As idealistic kids, they swear to meet again in fifteen years, convinced they'll fulfill their grand destinies. The story really kicks off at that long-awaited reunion. We see the group through the eyes of Bernard, a more grounded observer. The central figure is Pierre, who has become a celebrated but divisive painter known as 'The Rainbow' for his vibrant, chaotic style. As the friends catch up, it becomes clear that success has come with a cost. The reunion forces everyone to confront the gap between their youthful promises and their actual, complicated lives.

Why You Should Read It

What got me was how real the characters feel. Deberly doesn't paint them as heroes or villains. Pierre, the artist, is fascinating—he's achieved his dream, but he seems trapped by it, almost haunted. The book asks tough questions without easy answers: Is chasing a dream worth losing your roots? Can you ever go home again? It’s not a fast-paced thriller; it’s a slow, thoughtful burn. The prose is beautiful in a straightforward way, focusing on small moments and loaded glances that say more than arguments ever could.

Final Verdict

This is a book for anyone who’s ever looked back on their past self with a mix of fondness and regret. If you like character-driven stories about art, memory, and the passage of time—think a French, early-20th-century version of The Interestings by Meg Woltzer—you'll find a lot here. It's a hidden gem that deserves a fresh audience. Just don't expect a happy ending wrapped in a bow; expect something honest and surprisingly moving.