Book Review: ‘Article 353: A Novel’ Is A Fascinating Look At How One Man Defends Himself On A Murder Charge

Lets face it there are times in our lives when we say I could kill you for what you did but never would. Of course some people are pushed to the limit and do it for revenge and are usually caught and go to jail. In the case of Martial Kermeur he actually did it. In the small coastal town on France’s northern coast the body of real estate developer Antoine Lazenec has washed ashore. He was last seen on his boar with Martial the day before.

Martial has been arrested and is in front of the judge. The judge lets him tell his story of things leading up to the death of Antoine. And what a story it is. It’s basically his life story. How he met Antoine, what happened to his marriage and his son (who is in jail). The plan that was to revive the town and how Martial was swindled as was the whole town. It’s a fascinating story that the judge just listens to and sometimes asks some questions. And tt leads to a stunning ruling.

The book itself is short at just 146 pages and packs a lot into it. It ropes you in and keeps you reading right up to the very end. I found myself not wanting to put it down and to read Martial’s story and how he was driven to what he did. Just a fantastic job by Author Tanguy Virl and translated by William Rodarmor.

You can pick it up in stores on Tuesday, March 12 from Other Press.