Boires et déboires d’une déchicaneuse ("Trials and tribulations of a de-bickerer"), by Marie-Renée Lavoie

It's always a great pleasure to see you again, Diane. Even if, for the first time in my life, you didn't make me laugh to tears.

Summary

Diane decides to give up her job as an elementary school teacher to come and work in the same position as her best friend, Claudine, in the Human Resources department. Her title: "Professional and Digital Team Synergy Manager". The word "digital" makes her feel slightly like an imposter, but it's true that life (children, ex-husband, grocery lines, etc.) has trained her well in diplomacy.

Élodie – smoothies, Concours de cheveux gelés au Canada, régime cétogène, Timothée Chalamet – ne tenait pas à faire la paix avec Camille – Timothée Chalamet, Punta Cana, L’île de l’amour, rastas –, qui soutenait maintenant à grands cris outrés que l’atmosphère était pourrie à cause d’Élodie et qu’elle finirait par lui mettre son poing su’a gueule si elle ne changeait pas d’air. Quand elles ne parlaient pas, elles avaient des têtes d’agneaux. Le reste de l’équipe se faisait tout petit, respirait à peine. La rencontre de groupe avait viré au vinaigre avant même que j’aie eu le temps de faire un tour de table.

Yeesh. Diane may be happy to manage adults instead of children and to be able to dress cute, but her job is not going to be easy.

Impressions

I had been so enchanted by the other adventures of Diane, I think I had too high expectations. Diane Asks for a Recount and Diane ressort sa masse ("Diane brings out her mass") had made me laugh like never before, with their tasty dialogues, the hilarious observations, the energy of the characters... Maybe I'm just a little more jaded. Maybe Diane is a little wiser now; she's more settled, she's recovering from her divorce even better, her kids are on their own, and she's more assertive. That doesn't stop me from laughing a few times, but perhaps a little more out of tenderness, because Diane is really too irresistible.

Marie-Renée Lavoie is one of my favorite Quebec authors. She is a sure bet, even if all her books are not the same, obviously. But start at the beginning, that's how you get attached.

French (English translation not yet available) :

Autres titres de la même auteure :

• Diane Asks for a Recount
• Diane ressort sa masse ("Diane brings out her mass")
• Autopsie d’une femme plate (pas critiqué, mais adoré aussi)