Huguette Bertrand's 'Entre la chair et l'âme' isn't a book with a traditional plot. Instead, it's a collection of moments, sensations, and questions. The 'story' here is the internal journey of a person looking at their own life, feeling the constant push and pull between physical desires, memories, and the deeper, quieter voice of the soul.

The Story

Think of it less as a story and more as a series of snapshots. One poem might capture the simple weight of a hand, the next, the fleeting memory of a scent. Bertrand moves between the tangible world—the 'flesh' of the title—and the intangible realm of dreams, thoughts, and emotions—the 'soul.' She explores how our physical experiences shape our inner life, and how our inner longings color how we see the world.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book because it doesn't try to give easy answers. It's honest. Some poems feel like a quiet sigh, others like a sharp intake of breath. Bertrand has a way of naming feelings I didn't even know I had. Reading it feels like cleaning a dusty window—suddenly, your own inner world looks clearer. It's a short book, but you'll want to go slow, maybe just a poem or two at a time, to really let them sink in.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who enjoys quiet, thoughtful poetry that feels personal and real. If you like writers who explore everyday life with depth, or if you're simply in a reflective mood, this collection is a gem. It's not for readers looking for fast-paced action, but for those who appreciate pausing to consider the space between a feeling and the word for it.