La Guerre des Boutons: Roman de ma douzième année

A vivid portrait of a French countryside schoolyard springs to life, where the ordinary rhythm of autumn is suddenly punctuated by an impromptu “war” between rival bands of twelve‑year‑olds. The narrator, recalling his own youthful bravado, introduces us to the restless boys—Boulot, Grangibus, and their companions—who stride through mist‑shrouded fields, their uniforms patched and their spirits inflamed by the promise of adventure. The opening scene captures the smoky sky, the rustle of fallen leaves, and the lingering scent of harvest, setting a backdrop that feels both timeless and immediate.

From there, the story unfolds as a raucous contest of cunning and daring, with buttons serving as the coveted trophies of triumph. The author’s language is unapologetically raw and exuberant, echoing the earthy humor of Rabelais while preserving an authentic child’s voice. Listeners will be drawn into the clamor of secret meetings, the thrill of whispered strategies, and the pure, unfiltered joy of a generation that turns a simple schoolyard into a battlefield of imagination.