Cécile Crassous's novel Naked Women in Socks delves into themes of femininity, grief, and the search for identity through the character of Emma Manet, a midwife and widow who retreats into a daily routine to avoid dealing with her loss. The story is set largely in her office, where she meets a variety of women, including Paulette, an elderly woman confronting aging; Mercure, a young activist; and Madame, a trans woman seeking her true name. Emma is given the task of writing an article on "today's women," which pushes her to reflect on her own identity through the lives of those around her. The novel balances humor with sorrow, using comedy as a way to approach pain, often shifting from lighthearted moments to deeper emotional experiences. Emma's interactions with her colleagues reveal the complexity of their lives, from Paulette's casual dismissal of her sex life to Madame's struggle with self-identity. The narrative does not offer simple conclusions, instead presenting contradictions and unresolved tensions that reflect the messiness of human experience. A key turning point comes with a letter that brings Emma's past into focus, revealing that she and her late husband, Thomas, had embryos. This revelation shifts the novel's focus from a reflection on female identities to a story of survival and the need to give shape to absence. The second half of the book becomes more dramatic, featuring events such as clandestine operations, militant nudity, and arrest, although some of these scenes may feel less grounded than the earlier, more reflective parts of the story. The title Naked Women in Socks, which initially seems like a humorous observation, gains deeper meaning as Emma comes to understand the significance of wearing socks: "Wearing socks is the innocence of the soul." This metaphor redefines nudity, moving away from its usual association with eroticism to highlight vulnerability and humanity. In the end, Emma chooses not to write the article about the women she has met, allowing their lives to exist beyond her narrative. The novel closes with the idea that "the beauty of our imperfect humanity cannot be said. It is lived." Published by Presses de la Cité, Naked Women in Socks is part of a broader literary resurgence in 2026, which includes other notable releases such as Camilla Läckberg's The Crier, Abdeljalil Lahjomri's The Indocile Companions, and Hélène Cixous's Chat Larme. Other titles in the year's literary lineup include The Heart of the Child by Laure de Rivières, Checkpoint China by Diego, and The River Commander by Yabar. The literary landscape of 2026 is marked by a diversity of genres and themes, ranging from thrillers to historical fiction, reflecting a wide spectrum of styles and narratives.