Nothing Is Lost

Mehdi’s powerful English-language debut considers racism, police brutality, and demands for social justice in a French housing development from the perspective of a disturbed 11-year-old boy. Two years before Mattia Lorozzi was born, the close-knit Les Verrieres community was shocked by the death of Said Zahidi, 15, at the hands of police during an identity check. Mattia cynically describes the rioting and prison sentences of the protestors that followed, and the acquittal of Thomas Ross, the cop who killed Said. Mattia’s world-weary perspective was sharpened early, after his teacher father killed himself in despair over the outcome of the case (Mattia’s father was “oh-so-optimistic, stupidly convinced of his ability to get things change,” in Mattia’s view). Now, with racial unrest brewing in the neighborhood again and Said’s face painted on walls in graffiti, Mattia tries to uncover the truth behind Said’s death. But when his mother disappears, relinquishing his care to the state, his mental state grows unstable. Then, when Ross is killed, a new investigation is opened, with surprise suspects and an unexpectedly complex conclusion. Mehdi brings an acute sense of trauma to her depiction of Mattia and others who come of age in an environment shaped by injustice. Readers will be mesmerized. (Feb.)