From the etymology of the French word Corbillard [hearse], Pascal Quignard starts in the silent boat an extraordinary tour that leads to the reader through small stories of life and death, discreet autobiographical glows, appointments, speculative meditations, reflections and Incessant reminiscences of readings. Returning the obsessions that manifest themselves both in their "historical novels" and in the tests of it (from Albucius to sex and fright), Quignard is always attentive to the secret unity that organizes chapters and reflection. The silent boat is a subversive book, crossed by a spawning and unforgettable beauty.