The Ones Who Grieve by Jennie Kermode
The nature of ownership and identity is often tested in the darkest corners of human experience. As one character reflects, “Everything that you see here – even yourself, when you look in the mirror – it all belongs to me.” This declaration sets a chilling stage for a narrative steeped in control, resentment, and moral erosion.
The tension in the story escalates with the preparation for acts that defy societal norms. A family is confronted by decisions that push the boundaries of acceptable behavior, exemplified by a grim preparation: the fate of the family’s aged horse, Tonnerre, is set for slaughter.
This external violence mirrors the deepening internal conflict between the family members. The dynamic shifts dramatically when the daughter, Zélie, engages in acts of visceral cruelty, such as killing a rabbit and feeding its entrails to the hens. While these actions mark a descent into savagery, Zélie’s true conflict lies in her complicated relationship with Tonnerre, an animal she has known since childhood.
The patriarch, Jacob, reacts with intense fury to Zélie’s sentiment. He views this dissent as a betrayal of the established order he has carefully constructed. Jacob has always held immense pride in his daughter, nurturing her obedience, evidenced by her ability to recite Bible verses on command.
However, this control crumbles as Zélie begins to develop an increasingly willful and distinct identity. She is slowly forging her own moral compass, developing her own sense of right and wrong, pushing against the rigid boundaries set by her father.
Despite Jacob’s frustration, he remains unable to fully grasp the depth of Zélie’s growing resentment. The emotional chasm between them widens as their contrasting worldviews clash, fueled by unspoken desires and psychological pressure.
As the narrative progresses, the conflict moves beyond mere disagreement. The pushing and pulling between the family members intensify, forcing them into increasingly horrific situations. The story details how this internal struggle spirals outward, presenting a relentless exploration of the cost of absolute power and the destructive consequences of unchecked emotional isolation.
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