La Tresse – A braid of courage, resilience, and global sisterhood

In a world where challenges often transcend borders, cultures, and professions, some stories remind us of our shared humanity. La Tresse (The Braid), the internationally acclaimed novel by French author Laetitia Colombani, is one such story, a work of fiction that has touched millions, resonating with readers from Paris to Mumbai to Montreal.

It’s not just a book; it’s a mirror reflecting the strength of women, the weight of tradition, and the transformative power of hope. For NETO Innovation’s community - a network of innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries - this is more than a literary recommendation. It’s a call to adopt resilience, reinvention, and solidarity, values that fuel both human progress and groundbreaking ideas.

A global tapestry of women’s stories

Colombani weaves together the lives of three women:

• Smita: In India, trapped in the lowest rungs of the caste system, Smita dreams of giving her daughter an education, even if it means defying centuries-old traditions. Smita’s courage lies in her refusal to accept the destiny society has scripted for her. She embodies the truth that change often begins with the decision to take a single, brave step into the unknown.

• Giulia: In Italy, Giulia works in her family’s wig workshop. When tragedy strikes, she discovers the business is in peril and must decide whether to fight for its survival or let it fade away. Giulia’s story is one of resourcefulness and leadership. She must choose between letting her family’s legacy fade or transforming it with innovation and courage. Through her, we see the resilience of women who not only endure hardship but turn it into a catalyst for reinvention.

• Sarah: In Canada, Sarah is a high-powered lawyer whose life is upended by a breast cancer diagnosis, forcing her to reconsider her identity, her ambitions, and what truly matters. Sarah’s journey is about rediscovering worth beyond professional titles, about vulnerability as a form of strength, and about redefining what it means to “win” in life.

Though separated by oceans and cultures, these women are connected through an invisible thread: a braid of human connection that unites their fates in surprising, moving ways.

A novel about women for women

At its heart, La Tresse is an ode to women’s endurance. It portrays:

• The silent courage of millions who defy traditions to protect the next generation.

• The inventive spirit of those who refuse to let legacies - personal or professional - disappear without a fight.

• The emotional resilience of women facing life’s most personal and devastating challenges.

Colombani doesn’t sugarcoat their struggles. Instead, she offers a raw but deeply empathetic portrayal, showing that empowerment is often born not in the absence of fear, but in the decision to act despite it.

The invisible thread - Connection without meeting

The brilliance of La Tresse lies in the way these three women, though worlds apart, influence each other’s lives without ever crossing paths. The “braid” is more than a metaphor; it’s the lifeline that binds them.

This interconnectedness mirrors the reality of women’s struggles worldwide. A fight for education in India resonates with the battle for workplace equality in Canada, which in turn aligns with preserving heritage and craft in Italy. While the settings change, the essence of the struggle - the right to dignity, opportunity, and self-determination - remains universal.

Why Women Will Be Inspired by La Tresse

La Tresse is more than a novel. It’s a tribute to the courage, ingenuity, and resilience women carry in every corner of the world. It reminds us that, while our circumstances may differ, our dreams for dignity, equality, and freedom are universal.

For women - whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, launching a business, or fighting for a cause - La Tresse offers:

• Inspiration to persevere when the path ahead feels uncertain or steep.

• Perspective on the shared struggles women face across cultures, from breaking traditions to claiming space in male-dominated arenas.

• Empathy for sisters whose battles may look different, yet spring from the same desire for agency and respect.

It’s a celebration of women’s interconnected stories, proof that our strength is amplified when we lift one another, and that each act of courage can weave into a larger braid of change.

Why La Tresse resonates globally

Since its release in 2017, La Tresse has been translated into dozens of languages and has sold millions of copies. Its universal appeal comes from:

1. Authenticity: Each storyline is rooted in social realities that many women face daily.

2. Hopeful realism: The challenges are daunting, but Colombani offers resolution and agency.

3. Emotional connection: Readers see themselves, their mothers, their daughters, and their friends reflected in these pages.

   
   

Themes of empowerment and solidarity

• Breaking barriers: Whether it’s caste, gender roles, or workplace bias, the novel shows the courage it takes to challenge the status quo.

• Heritage and change: Giulia’s workshop is a symbol of traditions worth preserving, but also of the need for adaptation.

• Self-rediscovery: Sarah’s journey reminds us that identities can evolve, and that strength can be found in vulnerability.

• Interdependence: The braid metaphor reflects that women’s empowerment often grows stronger through shared experiences and support networks.

  
  

From page to screen - The adaptation

In 2023, La Tresse made its leap to the big screen, bringing Smita, Giulia, and Sarah to life visually. The adaptation stayed true to the book’s emotional core, highlighting the universality of the characters’ struggles and triumphs. For those who love cinematic storytelling, the film offers a new way to experience the narrative’s power.

Why every woman should read La Tresse

Because it’s more than a novel. It’s a mirror and a rallying cry.It whispers to every reader: Your fight matters. Your voice matters. Your dreams matter.

Whether you are standing at the start of a personal revolution, preserving a family legacy, or redefining success in the face of adversity, La Tresse offers solidarity and inspiration.

Practical takeaways from the book

1. Empowerment is contagious: When one woman rises, she creates ripples that inspire others.

2. Tradition can be honored without becoming a cage: Preservation and progress can coexist.

3. Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable: It’s about weaving broken strands into something stronger.

Final word: The strength we share

Reading La Tresse is like holding a braid in your hands: feeling the individual strands, appreciating their differences, and realizing how their unity creates something enduring.

It’s a reminder that even when our battles are fought in different arenas, they are part of the same global fight for equality, dignity, and opportunity.

So, to every woman reading: keep braiding your courage into the fabric of the world. Someone, somewhere, is drawing strength from you even if you never meet.

If La Tresse has sparked your curiosity, pick up a copy today and immerse yourself in its rich, interconnected worlds. Share your reflections with us, we’d love to hear how this novel resonates with your own journey of innovation and resilience.

Follow NETO Innovation on LinkedIn for more thought-provoking book recommendations, innovation insights, and inspiring stories from around the globe. Subscribe to our blog and be part of a growing community that values courage, creativity, and connection.