Xavier’s dual identity as nurse and author

Xavier, known professionally as L’Homme Étoilé, is a palliative care nurse and author of the comic book L’Homme Étoilé. He also published Le soleil va se lever, a narrative dedicated to those who accompany grieving individuals.

Inspiration from a personal moment

Xavier became aware of those who care for the grieving during moments of fragility after hearing his partner speak about a woman who sang during a funeral for a family she did not know. As a palliative care nurse, he decided to focus on these figures in his book, published on August 21, 2026.

Grief as a subject for discussion

In an interview with Aleteia, L’Homme Étoilé explained that he chose to write about grief because he believes it can be beautiful and discussed with light. He emphasized that grief remains a taboo in a society obsessed with performance and profitability, making it difficult to take time for grief in both personal and professional life.

Encounters with grief professionals

Through his book, L’Homme Étoilé met people who accompany the grieving process, including Stéphanie Sounac, a thanatopractitioner, and Christophe Fauré, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. These encounters reinforced his conviction that grief can be a path of light. He described the process of grief as a psychological healing akin to the healing of a wound, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging pain and seeking support from others.

Support systems for grief

L’Homme Étoilé also highlighted the work of companies like Happy End, founded by Sarah Dumont, which organizes free spaces for conversation about end of life, death, and grief. He believes that grief can be navigated by allowing oneself time to reflect and by seeking support from others, whether through attending events like "Apéros de la mort" or consulting professionals.

A message of hope and unity

He concluded that his book aims to convey light in words, intention, and colors, reflecting his personal experiences with grief and the conviction that it can be a unifying force rather than an isolating one. Le soleil va se lever is available from Le Lombard at 26.95 euros.