Reading “Numéro deux” by David Foenkinos

Original Language: French

Year of publication: 2022

Editorial house: Gallimard

Number of pages: 269

Nationality: French

Appreciation: not bad     

I first heard about this book and its author through an Instagram story. The very first thing that crossed my mind was: “This book must have one of the catchiest synopses ever written.” After all, it touches on a universal subject: how we cope with the frustration of being the almost chosen. I think that, although the original French title “Numéro deux” (Number two) fits well, the one chosen for the English translation, “Second best”, is a small literary masterstroke. It captures, with remarkable precision, the very essence of what the book is about. So, before continuing this post, here are the magical lines that made me want to buy it:

"In 1999, the casting began to find the young boy who would play Harry Potter and who, in doing so, would become world-famous. Hundreds of actors were auditioned. In the end, only two remained. This novel tells the story of the one who wasn't chosen."

I have a theory that certain books come into our lives at exactly the right moment, and when I began reading this one, I thought that might be the case. I heard about it while I was in the middle of a selection process for a job, a very good one, with a salary almost three times higher than my current one. Some members of my family depend on me financially, and, on top of that, I needed this position to remain legally in the European Union. Long story short, I really wanted that job. And spoiler alert: I was the second best, quite literally. They didn’t choose me because the other candidate had a more suitable profile. I was devastated by the result, and I thought this book might serve as a kind of therapy, a way to process what had happened. Of course, the comparison has its limits: the book’s premise deals with rejection written in capital letters, one that comes with public recognition and millions of pounds attached.

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter universe, this book will be a true feast of information — a kind of behind-the-scenes glimpse at the first casting, as well as a slightly “Frenchified” version of what Harry’s life might have looked like in the real world. Martin, the ten-year-old boy who became the second one, experiences Harry-like circumstances in his own life. Instead of being an orphan, he loses his father and moves to France with his mother. At some point, she meets a new partner who also has a son, and together they treat Martin much like the Dursleys treated Harry. The book begins by recounting how Martin’s parents met and how he eventually found himself at the audition for the Harry Potter film. It also traces the early life of J.K. Rowling and how, by a coup de chance, her manuscript was even considered for publication.

My issue at this point is that the book makes many references to the Harry Potter universe. It often feels as if it tries to build upon Harry Potter’s own fame, filling its pages with nods, background details, film trivia, and Easter eggs meant to capture some of that lingering magic. Of course, I think that’s a clever strategy, and the book certainly benefits from it. Even when I searched online for interviews and articles, I found that the Harry Potter world remained the main stage of discussion — which is fine, and even pleasant in a way. Yet it wasn’t quite the book I had expected when I bought it. I had imagined a story whose essence would remain intact even if you replaced the Harry Potter audition with any other situation. For instance, the book also mentions the story of Pete Best, the man who almost became a member of The Beatles, and I must confess that I know almost nothing about them, not even their songs. Still, if the book’s premise had revolved around the Beatles instead of Harry Potter, or even around a man from Kazakhstan who missed the lead role in that country’s most popular TV show (something completely unknown to me), I would have bought it all the same. Because I was in a similar position: I was the second one. And I wanted to understand how a person learns to live with that — even in a worse context. I mean, when the whole world reminds you how rich and “happy” you might have been, but you simply weren’t quite good enough.

Sadly, I bought this book with very different expectations. Still, it’s undeniably a real bestseller, translated into English and Spanish, and perhaps into other languages too, though I only checked the ones I speak. Here in Paris, there’s even a stage adaptation of the book. I seriously considered going, hoping it might change my opinion, but my cultural friend in these little adventures is currently doing a research internship in Rome. Without him, I don’t quite have the courage to go alone and risk being disappointed twice. That said, the book isn’t bad at all, and it’s quite short. You could easily read it in a single sitting or over a few days. So, if you love the Harry Potter universe, enjoy French culture (a considerable part of the story takes place in France), and appreciate a touch of nostalgia — you’ll likely find it charming. I often caught my mind wandering, remembering what I was doing when a particular Harry Potter film was released.

Finally, one of the nicest things about reading is how it leads you to unexpected places. In my case, this book led me to discover Schatje’s Shelves, a blog I’ve come to love. She recently published a review of Second Best, which I enjoyed a lot, and I’ve already dived into several of her other posts, even taking notes on a few books, I’d love to read next.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. And if you ever have the chance to read Second Best, let me know what you think.