A new lecture series entitled “French Literature in the Making,” which features French writers speaking about their work in conversation with Olivier Barrot, French TV host and editor-in-chief of the cultural magazine Senso, will open at New York University’s Maison Française (16 Washington Mews at University Place) on Monday, February 26, at 7 p.m. The series is in French and English, and is free and open to the public. For more information call 212.998.8750.
In the inaugural event, Barrot will interview Jean-Paul Dubois, journalist turned novelist and winner in 2004 of the prestigious Prix Femina for his novel Une Vie française. As foreign correspondent for Le Nouvel Observateur, he lived in the U.S. for 15 years, and this American experience inspired his earlier novels, L’Amérique m’inquiète and Jusqu’ ici tout allait bien en Amérique. Dubois’ other books include Kennedy et moi (1996, Prix France Télévisions); Hommes entre eux (2007); and Parfois je ris tout seul (2007).
Barrot hosts the daily literary show Un Livre un jour (France 3, TV 5) in which he interviews well-known literary figures. He is also the author of numerous books on literature, cinema, and travel. Recent works include: Noir et Blanc (with Raymond Chirat); Lettres d’ Amérique (with Philippe Labro); Je ne suis pas là; and Voyage au pays des salles obscures (with Alain Bouldouyre).
The series will continue on April 10 with Philippe Besson and on April 30 with Alain Fleischer.
These events are made possible through the support of the Florence Gould Foundation with additional support from Voyageurs du Monde (Paris), Directours, and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.