Laurent Rainaud

Born in Brest in 1935, married and father of two children, Laurent Rainaud, the author's pen name, was called up to Algeria in 1956 for a period of 28 months. A radio operator, he was seconded to various combat units. Upon his return, he began a career as an executive in an American firm. Upon retirement, he devoted himself entirely to writing, his lifelong passion. Several of his novels are set in Algeria and the tragedies that took place there. He now resides on the French Riviera.

In 1956, Victor was over 20. Like all young people of that era, he was called up to serve in Algeria. Recently engaged, he refused to marry Cathy because his intuition told him the young woman wouldn't wait for his return. Cathy was 18, very beautiful, and possessed a strong libido. Although she was deeply in love with Victor, her loyalty would not withstand the ravages of time. Despite the certainty of this outcome, Victor remained desperate. Always waiting for a change in his love. In the hell of his military life, a redemption was offered to him that he was unable to grasp. He met Danielle, a young native woman who recognized in him her first true love and did everything to make him forget his unhappiness. Alas, she failed, and watched helplessly as their lives collapsed. He returned physically unharmed, but was unable to accept the realization that his love was irretrievably over.