This story about an aging and very sick killer's final days is neatly plotted and darkly funny in so many ways as the killer engages the services of a man with three fingers on one hand to act as his driver while he finishes his last job. The series of incidents that ensue are definitely something out of a farce. This book has violent death, a peculiar mother (as did Garnier's The A26), romance, and trips to the beach. It's about as weird a combination as you can get, but Garnier pulls it all off and makes it almost believable. The three-fingered man's choices even seem to make sense given the situation he is living in. A wonderful story--highly recommended. ( )

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The title of this Garnier novella comes from an African greeting. Rather than ask how one is doing, it is their custom to ask “How’s the pain?” That sums up the tone and style of this darkly humorous tale perfectly.

This is my fourth Garnier book and I must say that he uses the novella style to maximum effect. Precisely the correct length so that the humor remains sharp and the darkness does not overwhelm—a perfect balance.

I am becoming quite a fan of Garnier. He is clearly a master of the noir novella, so much so that I started off by comparing him favorably to the great noir masters yet now I believe that I should stop making comparisons altogether because his voice is so distinctive and original.

Ironic, yet realistic. Darkly fatalistic yet quite funny at times. Vicious and unredeemed/unredeemable characters that nonetheless are sympathetic because of their understanding and acceptance of their own flaws.

Each Garnier work is a jewel in its own right and this is no exception.
( )

> Babelio : https://www.babelio.com/livres/Garnier-Comment-va-la-douleur-/14436

> Un roman qui nous décrit l'errance d'un homme cynique et désabusé, entraînant dans son sillage un jeune homme sympathique, au coeur tendre et naïf. A découvrir
—Danieljean (Babelio) ( )

Simon Marechall is a hit man preparing for his last job before retirement. The job is down south along the French coast. After meeting Bernard, a young man who has been injured at his workplace, Simon decides to take him on as a driver. Setting off down south, they spot a bit of trouble on the roadside between a feuding couple. Bernard stops to help, and soon Fiona and daughter Violette are tagging along with Simon and Bernard. Along the way, bodies pile up as Simon does what he does best, pest control. This odd little group begins to appear just like a family on a holiday as they find lodgings in a campsite at the beach and grapple with the way forward. Except for Simon, who knows this is the end of the road long before the journey began.

In this book, the pain is deep and widespread. Garnier is a master at seeing the underside of life. In typical fashion, he presents a world that is both horrific, sleazy, comic, and ordinary all at the same time. And like most of his stories, this one gets right under the skin. Before you know, you almost feel sorry for a hit man. Garnier never fails to deliver unexpected, offbeat characters, scenes, and dialogue. All of which makes him one of my favorite writers.

Thanks to Gallic Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.com ( )

A terminally ill hitman and a simpleton factory worker make strange accomplices in this darkly comic crime thriller. The supporting cast are equally memorable: an alcoholic elderly mother, a lonely female taxidermist, a young mother with her infant daughter. This novella is fast paced and littered with humorous moments. A worthwhile couple of hours. ( )