Prowess, successes, notoriety do not arise like that at the turn of a snap of fingers. This is essentially the meaning of the trilogy "Essay!", the first volume of which comes out this Thursday, June 8 (the 2nd in September and the 3rd in November) in the category Youth novels 8 – 12 years old at Editions Michel Lafon, written by Romain Ntamack in collaboration with Samuel Lassouarn. At 24, the opener of the XV of France and Stade Toulousain, son of former international Emile Ntamack, has already won everything at club level as with Les Bleus, except for the World Cup which is looming in France (September 8 – October 28). But over the touching pages evoking the first steps in cleats of the little boy and the emergence of the teenager, on the field or with his family, we quickly understand what shaped one of the greatest players of the time: determination and sense of effort.
How did you come up with the idea of writing a book about your life?
ROMAIN NTAMACK. The publisher Michel Lafon contacted my agent to write a book about me and my story. We had the idea of this youth novel in the form of a trilogy. This is a change from a classic end-of-career biography. We wanted to think outside the box by addressing the youngest, but also the not so young. During several sessions with Samuel Lassouarn, I told my story, evoked my memories.
Is there a message behind the novel?
No, not particularly. It was just a question of trying to show the youngest that, without work, without self-sacrifice, without sacrifices sometimes, we can not succeed. I am only 24 years old. I have no lessons to give but I wanted to make children want through my story.
Romain Ntamack's children's novel
Have you stayed true to reality?
Yes. A lot of things are real. I tried to be as real as possible. Most of the facts happened to me. I remembered what I was looking for when I read books as a child. When you're little, you're not necessarily a fan of reading. It had to be accessible, interesting, while retracing my true journey.
At 24, have you already realized your childhood dreams?
Yes. I fulfilled most of the dreams I had when I was little. Sportingly, of course, it still lacks the World Cup that is coming soon (September 8 – October 28). I wanted to live exceptional moments. I'm proud to have been able to experience that.
Are the successes of adults comparable to the triumphs of children?
The scale is different but they are the same feelings, the same sensations. When I was a kid, I won a small campaign tournament, I felt like I was world champion. I remember our title of France Cadet Champions when I was fifteen. The sensations are the same as those I experienced during the Brennus shield won with Toulouse in 2019 or 2021.
