Laurence Florisca Rivard expresses anxiety over potential unintended consequences.

In the literary world, a new voice has emerged with the publication of the novel "Implosion" by Laurence Florisca Rivard. This compelling work highlights the systemic nature of rape culture and delves into the complexities of our society's response to such allegations.

Born in Chat Island, the Lower Laurentians, Rivard has had a diverse career, working in the Abitibi forest and Montreal's restaurant scene before dedicating herself to literary creation. She obtained a master's degree at UQAM and wrote the first twenty pages of "Implosion". The book was published in 2020.

"Implosion" is a polyphonic novel that explores the shock wave following the publication of an article detailing three sexual assault victims' denunciations of a young tennis player, Sébastien Côte. The novel features three narrators: Katlyn (Sébastien's mother), Charles (his best friend since adolescence), and Clémence (his girlfriend for three years). Each of these narrators analyzes their own behaviors related to Sébastien.

Rivard's challenge was to give both the feminine and masculine perspectives in the novel. She approaches her serious subject without forbidding suspense or shying away from explicit chapters concerning sexuality. Her writing is described as visual, with a focus on imagery and emotion.

Rivard discusses the ordinary violence that is often overlooked and encourages self-awareness, naming social constructs, identifying biases and reflexes, recognizing misogyny and internalized misogyny as means of seeing more clearly and moving forward. The novel does not give the aggressor a voice, focusing instead on the perspectives of the close ones of someone who is the subject of a denunciation.

"Implosion" addresses the collateral damage that affects the people closest to the aggressor, whether presumed or proven, public figure or complete stranger. Rivard believes that pornographic culture is insidious for everyone and that there are contradictions in our sexualities that need to be addressed.

Throughout her career, Rivard has faced challenges, from the masculine environment in Abitibi that was physically and mentally demanding at 17 years old to microaggressions and a toxic work environment in Montreal's restaurants. However, she has persevered, using her experiences to fuel her writing.

In a society where these issues are increasingly being discussed, "Implosion" is a powerful addition to the conversation, offering a nuanced exploration of a topic that has not been sufficiently addressed in the public sphere. Rivard prefers writing fiction over autofiction, allowing her to create a world that reflects our own while offering a fresh perspective.

As Rivard continues to make her mark in the literary world, "Implosion" stands as a testament to her talent and her commitment to addressing important social issues. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the systemic nature of rape culture and the impact it has on our society.

Laurence Florisca Rivard expresses anxiety over potential unintended consequences.