Specimen
When “Adolescence” meets “Anatomy of a Fall”.
“In today’s world, a child is more likely to be raped by another child than by an adult. The medical community is already calling it an epidemic. As a society, we have failed our children.”—Maître Marsanc, defence lawyer for Rafael Costa
In Marseille, Carmina is trying to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive relationship. But when her 19-year-old son Rafael is arrested, accused of an unthinkable crime, her world shatters—and so do her most deeply held beliefs. As the investigation unfolds and conflicting versions of the truth emerge, Rafael’s moral ambiguity confounds everyone. Is he a victim—or a perpetrator?
The Specimen probes the fault lines of a society that breeds its own monsters. As Rafael’s trial unfolds, it becomes more than a legal battle— it becomes a mirror held up to a system where perversion festers and spreads unchecked.
A gripping blend of psychological thriller and social drama, at its core this novel asks a haunting question: How far will we go to protect our children? With journalistic precision and unwavering empathy for her characters, Pauline Clavière explores the darkest corners of the human soul.
Reviews
“Narrated in Pauline Clavière’s elegant prose, this novel both challenges and captivates—all the way to its astonishing conclusion. A triumphant, masterfully crafted work.”—Maxime Chattam, author of 8.2 secondes
“Clavière’s plot is as gripping as her messaging is important.”—RTBF
“Unputdownable.”—Europe 1
“A deeply human, utterly absorbing, and strikingly contemporary novel about the devastating wounds of our time.”—Télématin
“A high-tension page-turner in which the intimate tips into the unsettling.”—Le JD Mag
“The great strength of this text lies in its interwoven registers and time periods, in its ability to paint wholistic, nuanced portraits. It pulls you in and won’t let go.”—La Provence
“Revolving around the plight of a teenager accused of sexual assault, this relentless thriller unearths the fractures of our society.”—Midi Libre