French TV personality Olivier Barrot, who hosts the daily literary show Un Livre par jour (France 3, TV5) in which he interviews well-known literary figures, will take his talents to New York when he converses with three award-winning contemporary French writers in the New York University series, French Literature in the Making. For further information, call 212.998.8750.
French TV personality Olivier Barrot, who hosts the daily literary show Un Livre par jour (France 3, TV5) in which he interviews well-known literary figures, will take his talents to New York when he converses with three award-winning contemporary French writers in the New York University series, French Literature in the Making. Hosted by NYUs Maison Française, located at 16 Washington Mews (at University Place), the series is free and open to the public. For further information, call 212.998.8750.
While the conversations are in French, simultaneous interpretation into English will be provided.
- On Monday, February 11, at 7 p.m., novelist Jean Echenoz will be interviewed. He is the winner of several literary prizes: the Prix Médicis for Cherokee; the Prix Novembre for Les grandes blondes; and the Prix Goncourt for Je men vais. Many of his books have been translated into English, including his most recent novel, Ravel. The New York Times says, Writing Lives! Echenozs work is full of grace and surprises; and The Washington Post calls him the most distinctive voice of his generation and the master magician of the contemporary French novel.
- On Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m., writer and literary historian Linda Lê, who left her native Vietnam for France at the age of 14 after the fall of Saigon, will discuss her work. Her first novel, Un si tendre vampire, was published when she was just 23. Her other works include Les Evangiles du crime, Calomnies, Les Dits dun Idiot, Autres Jeux avec le Feu, and Personne. Her latest novel, In Memoriam, was shortlisted for both the Prix Femina and the Prix Médicis in 2007.
- On Monday, May 5, 7 p.m., Barrot will interview Michel Schneider, a writer as well as a magistrate at the Cour des Comptes, a psychoanalyst, and a former director of music at the French Ministry of Culture. His 2006 novel, Marilyn, dernières séances, based on the myth of Marilyn Monroe, was awarded the Prix Interallié. Other works include La Tombée du jour, Maman, and Morts imaginaires, winner of the Prix de lEssai Médicis.
**Journalists wishing to cover these conversations or to interview Olivier Barrot and/or an author, must call Barbara Jester at 212.998.6844; email: barbara.jester@nyu.edu.