In the wake of France's National Day Against School Bullying, acclaimed author Céline Musmeaux's latest novel, From the Fingertips (Du bout des doigts), confronts the harsh realities of cyber-harassment. Drawing from her own experiences of teenage bullying in Marseille, Musmeaux, now 32, allies with Nora Fraisse—mother of Marion, who tragically died in 2013—by donating a portion of the book's proceeds to the Marion, the Outstretched Hand association.
School bullying impacts nearly 10% of French students annually, according to Injep (National Institute of Youth and Popular Education) data. As a precocious child with dyslexia, Musmeaux faced relentless mockery from peers and even some teachers throughout her school years. She found solace and strength in poetry and writing, transforming personal pain into creative expression.
With 52 novels under her belt, Musmeaux has empowered thousands of readers—over 9,000 monthly on Kindle alone—who connect deeply with her immersive tales of adolescence. More than a dozen of her works directly address school phobia and bullying. Her newest, published November 15, 2018, by Nymphalis Editions, explores the transformative bond between two teens.
The protagonist, 17-year-old Lola, hasn't left her home in six months after enduring relentless high school teasing. Overwhelmed, her parents send her to live with her grandparents, where she catches the eye of neighbor Sasha. Sensing her profound isolation, Sasha gently reaches out—literally touching her with his fingertips—to help her emerge from her self-imposed prison. This poignant narrative unpacks cyberbullying's mechanisms while offering practical insights into rebuilding trust.
Born in Marseille in 1986, Musmeaux showed early passion for arts like painting, drawing, and sculpture. Dyslexia dashed her journalism dreams, steering her toward administrative studies, yet she channeled her struggles into poetry and stories—a defiant reclaiming of words that once tormented her.
Starting as a manga columnist with a love for Japan, her persistence led to publication. Her debut, Ne m'oublie pas (Don't Forget Me), set in the Land of the Rising Sun, launched a prolific career. Touched by testimonials from mothers and teens relating to her characters, she now champions Nora Fraisse's anti-harassment mission.
Available in bookstores and on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QXhfkN
Marion, the Outstretched Hand: www.marionlamaintende.com
Céline Musmeaux: https://celinemusmeaux.art / www.facebook.com/celine.musmeaux
(*) Injep figures (National Institute of Youth and Popular Education)
