Summary of FallingÂ
Lucas, a teenager, spends his summer holidays at his late grandfather’s house in Montourin. Nobody ever told him that his grandfather informed on a group of Jewish children during the Second World War, and Lucas fails to understand why the villagers treat him with hostility. He falls in love with Caitlin, the daughter of one of the Jewish children betrayed by his grandfather. At the same time, he befriends the charismatic Benoit, a right-wing political activist, who offers him clear answers to the questions he is struggling with, and who convinces him to participate in anti-migration demonstrations.
Reasons to read Falling
Thirty years after its initial publication, “Falling” remains a relevant novel, addressing themes of friendship, love, and betrayal, and exploring the attraction of political extremism for young people. “Falling” is often called a “young adult” novel and features prominently on the reading lists of Flemish secondary schools. Anne Provoost, a Flemish writer, won the Golden Owl award in 1995 for this novel, which was later adapted into an English-language film by Hans Herbots.
Setting: Belgium or France
Book set in Belgium or France: Montourin – a fictional town in the Belgian Ardennes or possibly in France (the film adaptation was shot in Ardèche, southern France).
Original title: Vallen
Year of publication: 1994
Nr of pages: 288
