Book Review #3 for 2024: Ecritures Carnassieres, by Erve (in French)

Found a used copy of this book from Amazon for surprisingly cheap, which is a quick and extremely raw, insightful read, of a life-long alcoholic who was abandoned by his prostitute mother at birth in the north of France, near the border with Belgium, grew up in youth homes, and then lived on the streets until recently, mostly Paris, even while having two daughters with a social worker.

Before becoming an esteemed and critically-acclaimed published author in France, Erve had already started making a name for himself and amassing followers as croisepattes on Twitter now X, making acerbic remarks.

His book, first published in 2021, gives insights into what it’s like growing up in state institutions and then being cast off as unhoused, SDF it’s called in France, a euphemistic acronym for having no fixed housing.

His day usually begins with trashing pieces of cardboard he used as a mattress equivalent for sleeping outside, coffee, sometimes given by a friendly early morning street sweeper, some panhandling and then a beer.

Along the way, Erve, now in his 50s, gains immeasurable empathy for those suffering and a solitary love in listening to music and radio programs, as well as reading, especially the legendary Charles Bukowski.

A breakthrough moment for Erve’s literary career is meeting a favorite author at a book reading, Guy Birenbaum, who ends up becoming a friend, editor, and advisor to get published after he discovers his beautiful, prescient "from the pavement" writing.

Erve, with his pointed triangular grey beard, is a kindred spirit. I used to take a cheap six pack on the Paris metro reading Bukowskis, when I was unemployed in my early 20s, handing out some of my beers to others hanging out underground, and then going out with friends, emptying out other peoples drinks in bars where I couldn't afford anything.

Here in Reno, I’ve worked with a few formerly unhoused to publish some of their own writings, including in a special zine. I always tell my journalism students it's worth trying to interview those struggling, as they often have big hearts and are perceptive life philosophers, as Erve clearly demonstrates.

A great line of many in his book: "Écrire, mais ne pas se relire trop. Quitte à y laisser des bleus."

Loosely translated it means … “To write, but not to reread oneself too much. Because why not leave behind a few minor injuries…”