Quick Summary
- 1A new book titled Nous vivions côte à côte has been published by Fayard, written by Alexandre Devecchio.
- 2He serves as the editor-in-chief of the Esprits libres pages for Figaro Magazine.
- 3The work combines a personal narrative with a sociological essay.
- 4It proposes a counter-history of the suburbs and their disintegration.
Quick Summary
A new book titled Nous vivions côte à côte has been published by Fayard. The author is Alexandre Devecchio, who is the editor-in-chief of the Esprits libres pages for Figaro Magazine. The book blends a personal story with a sociological essay. It aims to provide a counter-history of the suburbs. This history focuses on the disintegration of these areas as seen by those who lived through it.
The narrative centers on the Seine-Saint-Denis region. It explores the origins of violence and communalism. Devecchio draws on his own youth to tell this story. The book was published on January 8, 2026. It offers a perspective from the inside looking out.
Book Overview and Author Background
The book Nous vivions côte à côte presents a unique look at French society. It is published by the house of Fayard. The author, Alexandre Devecchio, holds a significant position in French media. He is the editor-in-chief of the Esprits libres pages for Figaro Magazine. This background suggests a deep engagement with cultural and societal debates.
The work is described as a mix of genres. It is both a personal memoir and a sociological essay. This combination allows for a nuanced exploration of the topic. The book does not just recount history. It attempts to offer a new way of looking at it.
A Counter-History of the Suburbs 🏘️
The central thesis of the book is to provide a counter-history. This history focuses on the suburbs. Specifically, it looks at the phenomenon of their disintegration. The author uses his own experiences to ground this broader analysis. The perspective is that of someone who has directly experienced these changes.
The book covers several key themes. These include the roots of violence. It also addresses the concept of communautarisme, or communalism. The setting for these observations is the Seine-Saint-Denis department. This area is often a focal point for discussions about French suburban life.
Personal and Sociological Blend 📚
Alexandre Devecchio's approach is notable for its personal touch. By using his own youth as a narrative vehicle, the book grounds abstract sociological concepts. The reader is invited to see the disintegration of the suburbs through the eyes of a resident. This method aims to humanize the data and historical trends.
The sociological essay portion provides the analytical framework. It contextualizes the personal stories within larger societal movements. This dual approach helps to explain the complex dynamics at play. The book seeks to answer difficult questions about social cohesion and change in modern France.
Publication Details and Context 🗓️
Nous vivions côte à côte was officially published on January 8, 2026. It is available through the publisher Fayard. The author, Alexandre Devecchio, is a known figure through his work with Figaro Magazine. His writings often appear in the Esprits libres section, which focuses on free thought and cultural analysis.
The release of this book adds to the ongoing conversation about the future of French society. It provides a specific lens through which to view these challenges. The focus on Seine-Saint-Denis offers a concrete case study for the broader themes discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The author is Alexandre Devecchio, editor-in-chief of the Esprits libres pages at Figaro Magazine.
It is a blend of personal narrative and sociological essay that offers a counter-history of the suburbs, focusing on violence and communalism in Seine-Saint-Denis.
The book was published on January 8, 2026.
