Antoine Leiris (Papa)

Antoine Leiris is the author of this book. He was the husband of Hélène. After Hélène’s death, Leiris becomes the sole caretaker of their son, Melvil. He is forced to confront his own grief at the loss of his wife, while explaining her absence to Melvil. Leiris is deeply saddened by Hélène’s death, and in the wake of her passing devotes himself to writing this book and caring for Melvil as ways to channel his grief.

Hélène (Mama)

Hélène was the wife of Antoine Leiris and Melvil's mother. She was killed by terrorists while out with friends at the Bataclan, setting off the events of this book. Leiris describes her as a loving wife and mother. He notes that the two of them were happy to spend time together doing simple things like...