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Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
En Passant by Ileana Stoica follows David, a young Canadian financial analyst working in London just after the 2007–2008 financial crash. He loses his job on Valentine’s Day and is pushed out of a harsh, empty office culture that reflects the wider collapse of the finance world. A tense encounter with Clarissa, a female co-worker, leads to false accusations, public humiliation, and his sudden exit from the city. David then returns to Montréal, where he experiences isolation, anxiety, and a loss of purpose, while his family provides him with much-needed support. As he moves forward, he slowly attempts to rebuild his life in meaningful ways. Will he truly find a new life beyond the ruins of his old one?
En Passant is a calm and observant book that examines what happens when a life centered fully on work begins to collapse. Ileana Stoica skillfully uses the financial crisis as more than a background, letting it drive the story and show how unstable someone's identity can become when it depends on success. The contrast between London and Montréal works well. London feels cold and unforgiving, while Montréal gives him space to slow down, remember things, and helps David put himself back together again. David does not reinvent himself in any dramatic way. In fact, his progress is genuine, uneven, and sometimes uncomfortable, which makes it even more convincing. His move away from finance hints at a desire to understand the world, not just make money. Also, the relationships are written in a low-key and genuine way, with David’s family standing out the most. En Passant will intrigue readers who appreciate realistic fiction about finding direction after everything falls apart. Very highly recommended.
