"Le goéland" by Jean Balde is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a coastal village, Arès, which is home to fishermen and pine resin workers, exploring themes of family, identity, and societal expectation. The central character appears to be Michel, a young boy grappling with feelings of alienation and emotional turmoil caused by his parentage and social stigma. The opening of the novel introduces the picturesque setting of Arès, characterized by its proximity to the sea and the struggles of its inhabitants. We meet Sylvain Picquey, a father determined to going fishing, and his wife Elvina, who is busy preparing for the day amidst hints of family tension. Their son, Michel, feels troubled and out of place, especially in light of his unknown parentage, and struggles against a sense of abandonment and identity. As he observes the daily activities of the village and the family dynamics shaping his world, his internal conflict becomes palpable, hinting at a broader exploration of love, belonging, and the complex relationship with his estranged mother, Laure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
