You will not have my hate

129 pages

English language

Published Dec. 14, 2016

ISBN:
978-1-911215-34-9
Copied ISBN!
OCLC Number:
947858668

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5 stars (1 review)

What matters most in life? How do you build a happy life when terrible things happen? What is left behind when you lose the person you love the most? One night last winter, Antoine Leiris was at home looking after his son while his wife, Helene, was at a concert with friends. Suddenly he started receiving text messages asking if he was ok. Turning on the TV, Antoine watched the terrorist attacks in Paris unfolding around him and tried to call Helene. She didn't answer. That night Helene was killed, along with 88 other people, at the Bataclan Theatre. Three days later, Antoine wrote an open letter to his wife's killers on Facebook. He refused to be cowed or to let his 17-month-old son's life be defined by their acts. 'For as long as he lives, this little boy will insult you with his happiness and freedom, ' he wrote. …

4 editions

Review of 'You will not have my hate' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Oh my, what an incredibly sad yet beautifully written little book. Antione’s Facebook post went viral when he first posted it, the message of love something people could hold onto in a time of grief and horror.

The book covers the night when Antoine couldn’t get hold of Hélène, the dawning realisation something has happened and the frustrations of a little boy who doesn’t know what’s going on and wants his mother. It was so heart-breaking to read of Antoine explaining to him that she wasn’t coming back.

If anyone has a right to be angry it’s Antione. But his testimony shows how hate doesn’t bring anyone back, doesn’t make the world better. He can raise his son with good values and kindness, he can raise him how Helene would have wanted.

Originally written in French, Sam Taylor has done an amazing job of translating into English. It’s an emotional …

Subjects

  • Death and burial
  • Terrorism
  • Islam
  • Victims of terrorism
  • Terrorism victims' families
  • History

Places

  • Paris
  • France