Will I love Adèle?

Our protagonist, Adèle, is a sex addict in a sexless marriage, longing to escape the quotidian boredom of motherhood. Her desires are clear. “She wants to be devoured, sucked, swallowed whole.” She also wants to not want this. The interesting question the novel poses indirectly: What do we want of this character? Slimani (of The Perfect Nanny fame) writes so deliciously about Adèle’s desires the answer is clear—we long to watch Adèle falter, we want to hear every terrible thought in her head.

In this novel, Slimani explores the downfall of a woman who seemingly has it all – the perfect apartment in Paris, a loving husband and son, and a respected job as a journalist. But what society tells Adèle is enough, is not enough for Adèle who feels isolated, bored, and lonely by this conventionality. In her search for illicit sex and excitement, Adèle breaks all the rules in her quest for some sort of emotional independence. As a writer, I marvel at Slimani’s ability to draw depth from what could be seen as chilly topics. As a reader, I love… show more.