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The Bleak Cattle Herd

A shadow of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" graces Mary Kate Williams' "Genisse." This post-apocalyptic feminist novel, set in the future, paints a harrowing picture of a world worn down by climate change, particularly in regards to animal farming. Few young women without children, like Mina, find themselves unexpectedly... as part of the livestock. Contributing to milk production for starving populations, this lucrative business is clouded in controversy. Cliques, politics, and religion thrive within this industry, and inexplicable incidents, such as the poisoning of some members of the "herd," leave Mina and us, the readers, questioning. Who could be behind these heinous acts? The plot thickens as Mina delves dangerously into the mystery. Despite the world Williams creates lacking depth and substance, the story captivates with a chilling finale.

Sonia Sarfati

Genisse★★★1/2- Translated by Manon Malais, Hugo RomanPublished by Boulogne-Billancourt, 2025. Pages: 360

Notoriety and Dark Thrills

Amy Tintera's "Reboot" and "Reset" have earned her acclaim in the realms of young adult science fiction and fantasy. "Listen to My Lies," welcomed with zeal by Stephen King and Liane Moriarty, marks a departure for the author. With its gripping plotlines and intricate narrative structure, it delivers on the thrilling promises it makes. Five years ago, Lucy wandered the streets, her clothes stained with the blood of her best friend, Savannah, found dead. Lacking sufficient evidence, she was released. Years later, a podcast reopens the "cold case," and Lucy finds herself once again ensnared in a twisted tale, her every move watched by the public. Alternating between Lucy's narrative and episodes from the podcast, the novel presents a shocking and morally repugnant character. Will it be Lucy's last step or the start of a new beginning?

Sonia Sarfati

Listen to My Lies★★★1/2- Translated by Raphaëlle O'BrienPublished by City, Malakoff, 2025. Pages: 412

Heavy Soil, Heavy Hearts

Martine Beaussault's literary offerings transport readers into the French countryside, where the weight of the earth hangs heavy in the air. Life here is hard, arduous. Even when tragedy strikes, such as the discovery of a murdered young girl, the villagers continue to wade through the muck, barely throwing a glance over their shoulders. Beaussault crafts characters with depth and complexity, each struggling to find their place in this harsh world. Brutal, raw, affecting, "The Willows" showcases Beaussault's literary prowess in expertly weaving these simple lives and their struggles into a captivating tale.

Michel Bélair

The Willows★★★★- Published by Seuil, Paris, 2025. Pages: 272

Sentenced

Molly refuses to believe her father, a timid man brought low by illness, could be a murderer. She embarks on a mission to clear his name, determined to expose the truth in the 35 days left before his execution. Undercover as a journalist, Molly infiltrates the Rosendale family, powerful industrialists and influential lobbyists of the National Arms Association. Almost immediately, she suspects the official version of events surrounding the death of Casper Rosendale, ten years ago, is riddled with inconsistencies. The narrative weaves a passionate love story into the intrigue, underscoring the corruption and depravity of the Rosendale family. The novel is a scathing critique of two of America's most pressing issues: dependence on prescription drugs and firearms.

Michel Bélair

35 days before execution★★★1/2- Translated by Isabelle LiberPublished by Calmann-Lévy, Paris, 2025. Pages: 252

For You

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The narrative of Mary Kate Williams' book, "Genisse," set in a future impacted by climate-change, features a handmaid named Mina, unexpectedly thrust as part of the livestock for milk production in a lucrative and controversial industry.
The science fiction novel, "Listen to My Lies," by Amy Tintera, departs from her usual realms into darker territories, presenting a gripping plot centered around a cold case marked by moral repugnance, rated ★★★1/2.
"The Willows," a literary work by Martine Beaussault, paints a raw and brutal picture of life in the French countryside, particularly in a harsh world where a murder investigation takes place, showcasing Beaussault's literary prowess with ★★★★ stars.
In "35 days before execution," a journalistic undercover mission uncovers corruption and depravity within the Rosendale family, industrialists and lobbyists of the National Arms Association, as the protagonist attempts to clear her timid and ill father's name from a murder charge.
Among the books featured in the cultural magazine DMag, "The Willows" can be found, offering an immersion into the French countryside and examining significant themes like tragedy, harsh living conditions, and village life.
Readers of general-news and crime-and-justice sectors might be interested to know about the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle Google's advertising operation due to its "recidivist monopoly," hindrance in the market, and for allegedly biasing search results. Additionally,stay updated on the winter weather advisory in Quebec, where snow is expected to reach up to 40 cm, potentially causing travel disruptions.