Severe: A love story - Tapa blanda

'But what I found most impressive and also most alienating in the novel is its refusal to give us the conventional comfort of explanation. At the furthest outskirts of human behaviour, Jauffret is content to let the irrational, the incoherent and the inexplicable stand, just as they are. And that, I think, will offend readers a great deal more than any sadomasochistic practices. But it's also the most ethical part of the story.' litlove.wordpress.com 'The quality of Jauffret's language, which fluctuates between the precise and the poetic, ensures his writing never lapses into sensationalism. Severe is a dark, often brutal, but resoundingly subtle consideration of the dynamics between love, exploitation, sex and power.' Russell Williams, The Independent on Sunday 'The book is written in the first person and is a very stylish read. It grabs your attention from the first paragraph, which describes the murder in a few sparse sentences.' acommonreader.org 'A reflection on sex, power, money and emotions, Severe also emerges as an upsetting picture of a woman seeking absolution.' Express 'A universal, fascinating epic story of an unusual love affair. Again, Jauffret explores the boundaries of fiction and reality.' Inrockuptibles 'A radioactive diamond.' Figaro 'Here everybody is guilty and a victim, manipulator and manipulated at the same time.' Liberation 'Timeless and infernal.' Telerama

Inspired by a tragic event - the murder of banker Edouard Stern - Regis Jauffret imagines how the story unfolds in the mind of the murderess. She had met the banker at an exclusive business dinner: together with other call girls, she was the dessert. Their love was based on sadomasochistic games, including money and firearms. Murder was the orgasmic supreme achievement. Every sentence carries her rough, tortuous and greedy personality. Severe is an explosive blend of violence, passion and crime.