Claire Messud, a renowned author, has released a new novel titled "This Strange Eventful History." Drawing on a comprehensive 1,500-page family history compiled by her paternal grandfather, Messud crafts a narrative that explores the lives of three generations of a French Algerian family. The story unfolds through the perspectives of several family members, covering their experiences from their colonial homeland to life in new lands.
The central characters include Gaston, the staunch, devout Catholic patriarch; his worldly son, Francois; Francois’s psychologically troubled daughter, Denise; Francois's wife Barbara, a Canadian balancing her life aspirations with familial duties during the rise of women’s liberation in the 1970s; and Chloe, Gaston’s granddaughter, who represents the author and eventually reveals the family’s hidden narratives.
Set against a backdrop of familial and global history, the novel spans continents and epochs, touching on themes of empire, nationality, and faith. Additionally, Messud incorporates rich descriptions influenced by Virginia Woolf, aiming to capture life's transient sensations. "This Strange Eventful History," published on 13 May 2024, offers a deep reflection on identity and belonging across generations of a displaced family.