Monday, May 25, 2026

Change: A Novel by Edouard Louis – ‘Harrowing and profound’

DTNZ will receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, which helps to support our work.

In his autobiographical novel Change, Édouard Louis, recognised as one of the most significant voices of his generation, delves into themes of social class, transformation, and the challenges of escaping one’s past.

Louis’s life is dominated by a single, burning question: how can he escape the poverty, discrimination, and violence of his working-class hometown? To find his answer, he leaves for school in Amiens and later attends university in Paris.

Determined to leave “Eddy” behind, he adopts an elegant new identity and immerses himself in a world far removed from his roots. He devours books, mingles with aristocrats, and navigates a complex social landscape that includes both millionaires and drug-dealers. Driven by an obsession to reinvent himself, Louis’s journey is a relentless pursuit of transformation.

Change is more than a personal narrative; it is a profound exploration of dreams and the intense struggle of breaking away from one’s origins. Louis’s story offers a poignant and vivid depiction of a society fragmented by class, power, and inequality, capturing the beautiful yet violent process of self-reinvention.

Buy your copy of Change by Edouard Louis at Amazon.com.

Latest

Detroit doctor pleads guilty to child porn charges

A Former Detroit-area physician has admitted guilt in federal court to receiving child sexual abuse material, following the exposure of his graphic online conversations...

Vaccine expert slams WHO over Ebola jab trial

Former Gavi Ebola programme manager Professor Geert Vanden Bossche has renewed criticism of the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of Ebola vaccination...

Trump slams ‘losers’ criticising Iran deal

The US president has instructed negotiators “not to rush,” saying critics “know nothing about” the ongoing talks. US President Donald Trump has lashed out at...

Police seek two men seen with diver before Whakatāne Heads death

Police making enquiries into the death of a diver at Whakatāne Heads are seeking information from two men. The diver’s body was located around 9am...

Lawson fights from the back to secure strong Canadian GP finish

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson produced an impressive recovery drive to finish seventh at the Canadian Grand Prix after starting outside the top 10...

Fuel reserves remain stable – MBIE

New government figures show the country’s fuel reserves remain within normal operating levels, despite modest declines in petrol and jet fuel stocks. Data released by...

Dame Jools Topp dies aged 68

New Zealand entertainer Dame Jools Topp has died at the age of 68 after a long battle with breast cancer, prompting tributes from across...

English language rules for mid-skilled migrant workers extended

The Government is expanding minimum English language requirements for migrant workers applying under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), with the new rules set...