The fear of living : $b (La peur de vivre)

"The Fear of Living (La Peur de Vivre)" by Henry Bordeaux is a story that follows the Guibert family, primarily Madame Guibert and her son Marcel, as they grapple with family obligations, sadness, and what society expects from them. It looks closely at ideas like bravery, giving up things for others, and a "fear of living," which pushes people to take on life's responsibilities and difficulties. The story starts with Madame Guibert, a widow, getting ready for her son Marcel to come back from serving in the military in Madagascar. She thinks about how the family has lost people and how she is getting older, remembering happy family times but contrasting them with how things are now. Her daughter Paule, who is young and strong, is concerned about her mother, adding to the family's relationships. As they prepare for Marcel's return, there's a mix of happiness and sad memories, setting the scene for a touching look at love, strength, and the problems of finding joy again after something terrible has happened. In general, the beginning of the novel combines both nostalgia and sadness, leading to a deep emotional setting for when the family gets together again.