Mourir n'est pas de mise by David Hennebelle (review)

Although his name is not mentioned in the title and not until page 28, it nevertheless becomes quickly clear, through biographical and geographical data, that this delightful novel deals with the final years of Jacques Brel's life in the Marquesas. In this creative work, all factual elements are based on several biographies of this most highly admired Belgian singer, songwriter, actor, and film director. The novel begins with Brel's departure from Anvers on his 42-ton yawl named Askoy. He sails with his companion Maddly Bamy, who will stay with him until his death, Monday 9 Oct. 1978, at the age of 49. Their project is to tour the world but they will eventually come across Atuona Bay at Hiva Oa the morning of 20 Nov. 1975, where they make their home. It is in this paradise that Brel discovers peace and happiness in a world which does not seem to recognize him and far away from the paparazzi. Prior to his arrival, however, his peace is tragically interrupted by the death of his best friend George "Jojo" Pasquier and Brel's own discovery of lung cancer. But life in this tropical place of bliss is enriching for both Jacques and Maddly: "Les jours passaient. Ils vivaient une vie libre et authentique. Leurs êtres se décantaient" (73). In this new life Brel abandons the sea in favor of aviation. He purchases a Beechcraft 50 Twin Bonanza, which he names Jojo, and runs errands to and from Tahiti to help out the Marquesans. He purchases a large electronic organ, too, and the Marquesans hear him sing for the first time. He also rediscovers a lost childhood not unlike what Paul Gauguin had experienced: "Brel évoquait souvent Gauguin. Il disait que seule l'âme de l'enfant qui reste dans l'adulte est capable de peindre un cheval en vert ou en rouge" (97). In June 1977, Brel sings a newly written song to a local young blind girl who hoped to meet the singer after having heard about him during her short stay in Paris. The song was Les Marquises, which makes her cry of joy. Later in Paris, Brel incorporates this song as the last of the twelve in his final album. The beauty of Les Marquises reverberates throughout this poetic and dreamlike novel and its first line: "Ils parlent de la mort comme tu parles d'un fruit" echoes the novel's title. This indeed is a novel bound to please our professional readers. Hennebelle's literary style touches and moves the reader beautifully, and the reader discovers a reinvented happiness hopefully experienced by Brel and Bamy. Mourir n'est pas de mise was designated as a Rentrée littéraire book for Fall 2018.