Articles by François Angelier featuring André Masson, Adolfo Bioy Casares, and Urs Widmer in the "Pockets" section

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In the realm of literature, two distinct works have emerged that delve into the themes of human vulnerability and the impact of natural disasters. One of these works is a novel by Adolfo Bioy Casares, while the other is penned by André Masson, a member of the renowned Masson brothers.

"Plan d'évasion," a book translated from Argentine Spanish by Françoise Rosset, is a 208-page novel published by Robert Laffont under the "Pavillons poche" imprint. The book, priced at 9.50 €, offers an engaging read for those seeking a captivating story.

However, it is André Masson's novel, "Un temps pour mourir," that has garnered significant attention for its exploration of these themes. The novel, published by Typhon under the title "Soleils noirs," with a preface by Eric Dussert, contains 428 pages and is priced at 11.90 €.

"Un temps pour mourir" is set against the backdrop of a powerful cyclone, known as Cyclone Carole, which struck Mauritius in February 1960. The cyclone scalped the island, causing 42 deaths and leaving thousands homeless. In the novel, this natural disaster plays a pivotal role, shaping the narrative's tension and highlighting themes of survival and human vulnerability.

For André Masson, the cyclone served as a matrix for his novel. The youngest of the Masson brothers, he stayed on the island, witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by the cyclone. This personal connection lends a sense of authenticity to his portrayal of the disaster and its impact on the community.

André Masson, like his brother Hervé, was also a creative spirit. Hervé, a painter who swayed between esotericism and leftism, left behind three novels with Calmann-Levy. Another brother, Loys, was a resistant-poet who tried to reconcile Marx and Mary post-war. Among Loys' works is Les Tortures (1956; L'Arbre vengeur, 2021).

The Masson brothers form a familial archipelago named "the Angry Islands." Their diverse creative outputs offer a fascinating exploration of human experience and the world around them.

In addition to these works, "Les Hommes jaunes" by Urs Widmer is set to be released on August 28. Translated from German by Jean-Claude Capèle and published by Florides helvètes under the "Poche suisse" imprint, the book contains 176 pages and will be available in bookstores for 12 €. The novel, like the works of the Masson brothers, promises to offer a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.