The truth about the Harry Quebert case

The truth about the Harry case Quebec is a novel by the Swiss author Joël Dicker. Released in French during 2012 -Le Vérité sur l'Affaire Harry Quebert- obtained a resounding international editorial success. That same year the work received the Grand Prize for a Novel from the French Academy and the Goncourt Prize from the Students.

Since then, the book has been translated into more than 33 languages ​​and has already been adapted as a mini television series. It is a romantic thriller starring the writer Marcus Goldman. Who tries to prove the innocence of his mentor, Harry Quebert, a suspect in the death of Nola Kegerllan, which occurred 33 years ago.

About the author, Joël Dicker

Joël Dicker was born in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 16, 1985. From his childhood he showed a great predilection for writing and nature, coming to found The animal magazine with 10 years of age. In 2010 he graduated from the Université de Genève as a graduate in Law.

The rest of his works and awards

• Le Tigre - El Tigre (2012). International award for young francophone writers.
• Les Derniers Jours De Nos Pères - The last days of our fathers (submitted to competition during 2010; launched by the publisher L'Age d'Homme in 2012). Prix ​​des Ecrivains Genevois.
• Le Livres from Baltimore - The Baltimore Book (2017)
• The disparition of Stéphanie Mailer - The disappearance of Stéphanie Mailer (2018)

Summary of The truth about the Harry Quebert case

The blank page disease

The beginning of the novel features a Marcus Goldman completely blocked in his attempt to produce a second novel. He is under pressure due to the lucrative contract signed more than a year ago with a prestigious publishing house that demands a new publication. The pact allowed the protagonist to lead a wealthy and luxurious existence after the success of his first novel.

For this reason, he decides to contact his mentor, Harry Quebert, who invites him to visit him at his home in Somerset, New Hampshire. But this strategy to rekindle your creativity fails. Yes, as on previous trips to her parents' home in New Jersey and to Florida. Marcus leaves town. However, he returns shortly after when he learns of the discovery of Nola Kellergan's remains on the edge of the Quebert property.

The main suspect

Nola Kellergan was missing for 33 years. One of Harry's manuscripts was found along with Nola's buried body. As a result, Quebert is immediately arrested by Perry Gahalowood of the state police. Harry also becomes the prime suspect in the (unclear) murder of Deborah Cooper, which occurred on the same night as Kellergan's disappearance.

Upon returning to Somerset, Marcus immediately realizes that Harry had an undercover affair with Nola prior to her disappearance. At the time, she was 15 and he was 34. Likewise, Marcus discovers that Quebert's second novel, The origin of evil, was based on her romance with Kellergan. The evidence quickly turns public opinion against Harry.

The development of Goldman research

Benjamin Roth - Harry's lawyer - asks Goldman for help. At the same time, Marcus's editors ask him to write about all the information gathered about the case. Soon after, the nature of the affair between Harry and Nola is revealed: he really loved her, he couldn't have killed her. Marcus works on the resolution of the investigation with Gahalowood, Travis Dawn (Chief of State Police) and his wife, Jenny.

Among them, the murder of the former local police chief, Pratt (who had forced Nola to perform oral sex on him). Later, Marcus understands that Harry moved to Somerset in 1975, seeking inspiration to write his second novel. Quebert remained listless until his chance meeting with Nola on a beach, during which they both fell in love.

Love affair and crushes

The romance was kept a secret. But they were discovered by Luther Caleb, the deformed chauffeur of billionaire Elijah Stern, a homosexual "closet" former owner of the house where Harry lived. On the other hand, Luther was also in love with Nola and enjoyed his imaginary idyll through Harry and Nola. Both Luther and Harry angered Police Officer Travis Dawn, who ran the town station.

Dawn was secretly in love with Jenny Quinn, the daughter of the owners of Clark's Dinner. In turn, Jenny was kind to Luther and had a crush on Harry. During the night of August 30, Harry and Nola agreed to elope together to Canada. Luther, knowing what was about to happen, gave Nola a ride to the meeting point, the Sea Side Hotel.

The murderers

Luther acted out of his love for Nola, because, above all, he wanted to see her happy. Travis saw Luther leading Nola to the motel and started following them. The chauffeur and the girl tried to hide in the woods, but were pursued by Dawn and the (by that time) Chief Pratt. Eventually, the police cornered Luther and beat him to death. Nola tried in vain to intervene, however, she decides to flee after being hit in the nose.

Terrified, she tried to take refuge in the nearest house. The address belonged to Deborah Cooper, who, as a witness, was murdered by Pratt. When Nola tried to escape, Travis killed her. Nola's body was buried on Harry's property by the killers. Later, they put Luther's body inside their vehicle and threw him off a cliff in another state.

Concealment

Jenny married Travis. She concealed any compromising hints for her husband when Marcus arrived in town. Similarly, Jenny covered up Travis's murder of Pratt (they wanted to make it look like an accident caused by crack). Additionally, Jenny's father tried to exonerate her by mounting Pratt's revolver on the scene, the same one used to murder Mrs. Cooper 30 years ago.

More than one truth is discovered

Finally, the whole truth about the murders and the cover-ups comes out in the open. All the animosity towards Harry becomes fondness received from fellow Somerset citizens. Marcus is now richer and more famous. But there is still a truth to be revealed: The origin of evil It was not written by Harry, the real author was Luther. I mean, Harry Quebert's consecrating book was actually a plagiarism.

Despite having written other texts, it is still the work of an impostor. After a few days Harry disappears, leaves behind his own manuscript, The Somerset Gull, where he narrates his fictional love with Nola. Final redress is consummated when Marcus publishes The Somerset Gull under the name Luther Caleb.

Reception of international literary criticism. Reviews (XNUMX)

France

 "In the end you are left exhausted and amazed by the relentless flow of literary adrenaline, which the narrator has continually injected into your veins." Marc Fumaroli, Le Figaro.

Quote by Joël Dicker.

“If you put your fingers inside this masterful novel, it grabs you. You will not be able to stop in a race that will take you to the last page. You will be deeply manipulated, amazed, irritated and captivated by a story loaded with multiple lines, red herrings and spectacular twists in each event ”. Bernard Pivot, Le Journal du Dimanche.

Italy

"After The truth about the Harry Quebert case, the contemporary novel will not be the same and nobody can pretend not to notice it. Verdict: Summa cum laude… at least 110 out of 10. A beautiful novel ”. Antonio D'Orrico, Corriere della Sera.

Spain

“This book will be esteemed and studied by the writers of the future. It is a model thriller… Read this book ”. Enrique de Hériz, The Newspaper of Catalonia.

Germany

“Joël Dicker has written a novel that demonstrates exactly what can be accomplished when a young writer has the courage to give absolutely everything in his work… Not only has he dared to look at the greatness of gifted people like Philip Roth or John Irving, actually It has surpassed them… It has all the makings of a global bestseller ”. Peer Teuwsen, Die ziet.

Netherlands

“Joël Dicker has overwhelmed his readers. Wonderful dialogues, colorful characters, imposing twists and a plot that does not allow for breathing pauses… All perfectly intertwined to create a story in which absolutely nothing is what it appears ”.