It is hard to properly describe Triste tigre, the autobiographical account by Mexico-based, French-born Neige Sinno, other than a story of horrible child abuse.
As a first-person story, it offers a rare testimony of the constant sexual abuse she experienced as a small child in the hands of her step father. A rare account explaining directly, or through literary comparisons, the perspective of the victim and the victim only. There is no place for the perpetrator who nevertheless is able to live his life, eventually having a new family and new children. But the victim, herself, cannot live for the rest of her life without being haunted by the abuse.
Born in the Department of Haute-Alpes, in a hippy family, living in precarious housing situation in the mountains, by far more precarious than the everyday life of Annie Ernaux´s family for instance, she had no childhood memory left untained but the abuse. Her everyday life was marked by the abuse, her physical and mental evolution were stamped by the abuse.
Indeed, the perpetrator was able to go on with his life afterwards, being greeted by the former neighbours and re-accepted in the society. But what about the victim feelings and pains? No wonder that many victims of sexual abuse end up in the claws of addition or commit suicide.
Literature may be a refuge, but using literary skills to share the story is the gift for refugees without a land. It also may help to change perspectives and perceptions, especially in France where few years ago, the discussions regarding age of sexual consent stirred a wave of discussions both in the political and civil sphere.
Triste tigre, who received significant awards in France, and was translated in several languages since its publication, including English - as Sad Tigre - it´s a book of infinite and hopeless sadness. A necessary book, nevertheless.
Rating: 5 stars
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