You Can’t Separate the Dead from Love

Content : Like in West Side Story, they love each other, even though their neighbourhoods are at odds. Bakari and Erynn will even die because of this war. But this is only the beginning of their story…
They love each other in secret. Their community will make them pay.
A flashback into the story of two souls that even death cannot separate.

Bakari and Erynn, two teenagers from rival neighbourhoods, are not allowed to love each other. In their estate, nothing stays secret, and inevitably, things take a turn for the worse…

Erynn is from Les Vallons, Bakari from Les Gâtines—two neighbouring districts that hate each other. Their love can only exist in secret, away from prying eyes. But in the estate, everyone finds out. When Diango, a violent gang leader from Les Vallons who is also in love with Erynn, hears the news, he decides that this relationship must end…

The clash between the neighbourhoods begins—but the fight turns into tragedy…

A modern Romeo and Juliet: a love story broken down episode by episode to discover whether love is stronger than death. A captivating novel!
— Marion Duriez, Le Divan Perché Bookshop (Paris)

A very original and striking novel, written with a cinematic style.
— Christine Dominas, L’Armitière Bookshop (Rouen)

Experiencing this beautiful romantic story through the eyes of a courtroom is both surprising and thrilling.
— Mélanie Mignot, Le Grand Cercle, Page des Libraires

Awards:
Prix Littéraire des Jeunes Caladois 2024
Prix ALÉ 2024 (festival de Cognac)
Prix Imagin’à lire 2024-2025 dans la catégorie Ados