Blanche Corbeau, or the Fabric of Memories

Blanche Corbeau, born “the century before the century before,” embodies memory and identity through the lens of time. Her first name evokes the purity of snow and the gentleness of a dove, while her surname, Corbeau (Crow), recalls the depth of black and the mysterious presence of her lucky cat, Ronron. In a small house surrounded by meadows, Blanche shares peaceful days with Ronron, between tea rituals, childhood memories, and simple daily gestures.

Yet, forgetfulness gradually settles into Blanche’s life. Sometimes, her memory darkens, plunging her into the night of oblivion. However, thanks to a pine-green scented handkerchief, she manages to summon her most precious memories: the music of a violin concerto, the tangy taste of a cherry clafoutis, or the toothless smile of each of her seven children. For the duration of a song, Blanche becomes a little girl again, carefree and joyful, blowing dandelions at dawn.

Through poetic and symbolic images of white and black, the book celebrates the strength of memories, the tenderness of simple gestures, and the resilience of women. Blanche Corbeau is an ode to transmission, femininity, and the magic of memory, where every moment of the past gently and nostalgically illuminates the present.